Bergdahl on Active Duty

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:15:50 -0400

Since the Army has Bergdahl on active duty (until they figure out what to do with him). Does it bother you that other deserving soldiers, airman, sailors and marines are being discharged for the drawdown? And do you think he should retain any benefits if found guilty of desertion? How do you think the Army will handle this, Summary Court-Martial, Special Court-Martial, General Court-Martial or just a medical discharge with full benefits?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 19 at 2014 6:17 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:17:22 -0400

Yes, in a way it does bother me, but at the same time we must allow for the investigation to play out and any subsequent UCMJ procedures to be put into place concerning his situation.
As for which type of Court Martial, well first we have to wait and see what the investigation comes up with and then the convening authority will decide which is best serving for getting justice.
As far as benefits due, if found to be guilty of desertion then no, he deserves no benefits at all.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 19 at 2014 6:28 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:28:33 -0400

Not bothered in the Least. I was a Master at Arms (Cop) for part of my Career and I know that while he was on Medical Status they couldn't continue the Investigation. It had gone as far as it could has without his Input. This is Straight out of the Manuel and we will see what washes out. I am disappointed in those that feel the need to try him in the court of Public Opinion though. If they conduct a complete investigation and afford him the rights as put forward by the UCMJ I will accept what they decide. I do have a lot of Grief though with his Teammates behavior in the Media.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 19 at 2014 6:38 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:38:04 -0400

I don't have a favorable opinion of deserters, especially when their desertion likely caused other Soldiers to be killed.....I'd really like to see what the investigation turns up.....and I am not so sure I publicize my personal opinion

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 7:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:52:40 -0400

He is only on Active Duty for the purpose of completing the investigation, and whatever actions may follow it (court-martial, chapter, or separation). I believe he has no intention of staying in, and I certainly don't think it would be an option for him if he DID want to.

So in my opinion, the current separations and drawdown-related actions are not really related to Bergdahl at all.

That being said, I hope they conclude the investigation quickly and get him away from Soldiers.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 7:56 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:56:54 -0400

If the Army decided to discharge him prior to conclusion of the investigation, would we have jurisdiction to conduct an investigation, courts martial, etc?

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 10 at 2014 11:11 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 11:11:06 -0400

No. Innocent until proven guilty. Besides, the story being put out about what happened stinks like terrible math and bad story telling. It is the most half-baked excuse for a story I have ever heard. I don't think he did it. Something very wrong is underfoot about him. He is a scapegoat for something sinister.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 18 at 2015 7:35 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 07:35:13 -0400

Today is day 2 for Berfdahl's preliminary hearing to determine if he should face a Court Martial for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.... So far it looks like the Army has a very strong case against Bergdahl & we may learn today what is going to happen to him..??????

Response by SPC Jesse Montemayor made Sep 20 at 2015 11:28 AM

SPC Jesse Montemayor — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 11:28:20 -0400

I think that he should be Court Marshalled and give him a Dishonorable discharge. It is sad that we even have to deal with this! He should be treated as a deserter and terrorist Sympathizer!

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Dec 30 at 2017 7:25 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 19:25:26 -0500

This thread is three years old.