I highly encourage you to listen. Season two of “Serial” is here, to unwind the tale of US army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:08:18 -0500

I believe everyone on RP knows what I think about Bowe Bergdahl. I highly encourage you to listen to the podcast, you can click "download" to listen on your desktop/laptop. Did it give you a new perspective, any new information or change your thoughts? Do you give a rats ass?

https://serialpodcast.org/

Episode 01: DUSTWUN

A podcast from the creators of This American Life. One story. Told week by week. Hosted by Sarah Koenig.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 10 at 2015 10:21 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:21:48 -0500

I don't see a hyperlink CSM Michael J. Uhlig.
I expect the podcast wouldn't change my views but it is possible.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 10 at 2015 10:40 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:40:31 -0500

I cannot see any link to a podcast thus I cannot answer. His platoon mates made it very clear what actually happened. What I want to know is WHY the Army let him off the hook when the UCMJ clearly addresses this conduct?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 10 at 2015 11:03 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:03:19 -0500

CSM, I'm at work so I cannot listen, but I hope it has some new information in it. I seriously doubt it's going to change my mind. But no matter what happened with this clown, we had no choice to get his ass back, and use all the means to do it. He's here and those involved need to get over the "starstruck" attitudes and do the right thing. I firmly predict this much; IF they allow him to retire with full benefits, and the backpay, there will be HELL to pay in the ranks. Every creed out there would be questioned, and some HARD questions asked that won't get answers. The Army doesn't need this, the military doesn't need this, and the country as a whole doesn't need this.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 10 at 2015 11:09 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:09:56 -0500

I found the podcast to be interesting CSM Michael J. Uhlig. It reminded me of listening to radio serial stories from day of old. The podcast did a good job of laying out the story in an organized fashion with enough detail and great use of language to keep you interested.
It did not change my views of Bowe Bergdahl and what he did and what our nation did to get him back from the Taliban. I hope for justice in the case of Bowe Bergdahl.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 10 at 2015 11:14 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 11:14:31 -0500

Listening to it, I learned a bunch but nothing really or truly insightful. We knew some would try to spin this in such a way that he was not at fault, when clearly he was, his own words convict him. I was surprised at how stupid this PFC was...is? To me, he is just confirming what I expected.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 10 at 2015 12:00 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:00:15 -0500

Oh for the love of all things holy, why can't we just bury that bastard in some hole and move on. You can try to spin a duck into a swan, but in the end it is still just a duck. We are going to give douche full benefits and back pay, while we have ACTUAL SM's living on the street? He could do us all a favor again and walk off the United States for good this time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 3:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:02:41 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig , I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to voice my thoughts and opinions. But, based on my thoughts and opinions for what he actually had the brass set to say, I shall refrain from saying my thoughts and opinions.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 10 at 2015 3:10 PM

SGT David T. — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:10:37 -0500

Can you post a quick summary since many of us are at work and cannot listen. No speakers in my case (damn budget cuts lol).

Response by SFC Stephen King made Dec 10 at 2015 3:23 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 15:23:58 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig I listened to the podcast. I am intrigued about the story in his words. However, My first general order is: I will not leave my post until properly relieved. The thoughts and or lack of thought in this Soldier's mind should be enough for him to be discharged.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Dec 10 at 2015 5:47 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:47:27 -0500

CSM, IF the officers in charge of this mess cannot see him for the opportunist he is, then there is something wrong, and it's not with Bergdhal. Everything in this podcast points to the fact he knew what he was doing, he planned what he was going to do, and he did what he did knowing the outcome. The fact he had the nerve to talk to a movie producer after making it to the States, tells me he knew he could make money off his story. I think now the jokes on us. If he lands anywhere short of prison, there will be a bad movie made off his story, and to those of the weaker mindset, he'll go from DUD to STUD. If it were possible, I'd like to ask those officers involved what are they thinking? DO they know the ramifications of their words beyond the courtroom? Are they genuinely aware of the harm they could do allowing this genius walk? How are NCO's going to maintain good order and discipline when a Soldier thinks or knows if he runs away, nothing will happen? CSM I do not expect an answer from you on this. You're in a position where your personal feelings shouldn't matter in compassion to your professional duties as a Sergeant Major. What legal president is being set with this? I want to know because times are hard now for our peers and no one should get preferential treatment due to an issue he made on himself. We as the military are not seen in the best of lights now, and we need everything we can to attract the next batch of leaders, not individuals who are only for themselves, and forgo the team. I've NEVER EVER felt bad or had pity on MY Army. I knew things were wrong, messed up, made no sense, but in all of that, it's the perfect storm of confusion and greatness. I'm feeling bad for MY Army. I'm beginning to feel bad how a decision made by one, will affect those still serving for decades to come. Will affect how leaders lead or manage troops. I'm bitching CSM. I'm bitching because I'm coming to you with a problem and no solution. I'm asking you to speak on something you cannot speak on at this time. And I won't be the only one. Any Soldier who gives one f*ck about the Army is going to be doing the same. I guess in the mean time between time, you're going to tell me(your NCO's) it's business as usual. Continue doing the right things. Make sure they do PT, make sure they're at work, get counseled on time. But in the back of every mind is what's next, and how will it affect me?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 10 at 2015 11:19 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 23:19:11 -0500

CSM Michael J. Uhlig Please 'classify' further episodes!

My clearance has expired! Therefore, I will not become upset/disgusted nor vomit in front of the TV!

Response by LTC Marc King made Dec 11 at 2015 6:00 PM

LTC Marc King — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 18:00:23 -0500

Everyone should keep in mind that while he currently wears the rank of an NCO he was a Private when he deserted. All this is BS intended to rehabilitate him before his Courts Marshal. If every Private behaved this way chaos would be the order of the day. Why is the Army allowing this type of activity to occur anyway. More leadership failures.