Investigating General Recommends Against Jailtime for Bergdahl. What do you think?

2015-09-18T18:23:56-04:00

Essentially, General Dahl's investigation found that Bergdahl was attempting to reach a larger US outpost to report things that he perceived to be problems and had an over-inflated view of his own ability to pull it off.

Based on the bits of the old reports I've read and some of the other stuff, I actually think this is a plausible defense. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out in court anyway.

TSgt Hunter Logan SFC James Sczymanski , LTC Bink Romanick , SGT Ben Keen , Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS , SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" , SFC Joseph James , CPT Private RallyPoint Member, COL Mikel J. Burroughs , MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca

General: ‘Unrealistically idealistic’ Bowe Bergdahl does not deserve jail sentence

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-09-18T18:29:06-04:00

I also recommend no jailtime, I instead recommend firing squad.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 6:31 PM

2015-09-18T18:31:13-04:00

SGT Jeremiah B. I wonder if he had ever heard of those inventions called telephones, computers, internet, email, faxes.... as ways of communicating. Not having read the reports and seen the evidence it's not easy to say. I know what I personally think is that he should receive some form of punishment, if not for these things then what about for having been caught during a California Pot Raid while he was on leave after he was "rescued".

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 18 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-09-18T18:33:20-04:00

SGT Jeremiah B. this is a travesty of justice, he should be guilty for misbehaving before the enemy. Its got to be the media focusing on it and bringing it to the masses.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 18 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-09-18T18:52:54-04:00

This changes things from Desertion to Unauthorized Absence (which we already knew), and really makes the Misconduct charge harder to argue for the prosecution.

Based on the General's comments regarding SGT Bergdahl's state of mind at the time, this really does show he was "mentally unfit."

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 18 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-09-18T19:08:15-04:00

I'm ok with it..Who am I to disagree with a US Army General??
But do think Bergdahl needs to get a dishonorable discharge and pay a heavy fine.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Sep 18 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-09-18T19:18:11-04:00

What?

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 18 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-09-18T19:21:37-04:00

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/prosecutor-bergdahl-deliberately-deserted-endangering-other-troops-1.368624

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-09-18T19:27:16-04:00

My neighbor in Colorado would vote for a implant. A 30 caliber round to the forehead

Response by SSG Joe Jordan made Sep 18 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-09-18T19:27:31-04:00

I know co-workers and friends that were in his unit in Alaska. They have told me that he deserted his unit, post, and more importantly his fellow Soldiers and put them in jeopardy/ harms way. I honestly believe he deserves whatever he gets!!!

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Sep 18 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-09-18T19:27:42-04:00

SGT Jeremiah B. My 2 cents SGT....lol

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-09-18T19:40:59-04:00

I agree i recommend firing squad.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 18 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-09-18T19:48:24-04:00

SGT Jeremiah B. I don't believe it. I think this has Executive Pressure written all over it. Just my opinion!

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 18 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-09-18T19:50:17-04:00

SGT Jeremiah B. IMO he needs to go to jail for a long ass time!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-09-18T19:51:21-04:00

I was in his battalion (1-501 PIR) on that deployment and knew a few guys that were in his platoon. The story I heard from them back in 2009 was that he was a weird bird who hung out with the local nationals more than fellow SMs and talked about hiking across the border to India to become a mercenary.

Take all of that with a grain of salt; I do. That doesn't change the fact that he deserted his post, half of Afghanistan (including me) busted their *** for weeks trying to find him, and several of ours died in the process. This "trying to report misconduct to superiors" shtick never saw the light of day until it came down to Bowe facing a stand in court.

I don't want to see one of ours put to death, and I don't think any officials are seriously considering that. But a few years in the cooler along with the public knowing the truth of what he did and how it hurt us sounds like justice to me.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Sep 18 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-09-18T21:35:46-04:00

From left field:
Personally, I still believe he was already working with a "3 Letter" agency before his absence, and during the entire time of his absence, up until his "unusual" return...
It kinda fits...
Just my 2 cents...

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Sep 18 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-09-18T21:44:57-04:00

Is general dahl a Democrat, this reeks of command influence

Response by SFC Tyrone Almendarez made Sep 18 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-09-18T22:09:08-04:00

I personally know GEN Dahl. He was my Battalion Commander in Hawaii when I was with 2/11FA. He is fair and impartial. As much as we want to condemn this soldier we don't know all the facts. He does. I'll wait and see what is the outcome.

Response by SSgt Shane Karst made Sep 18 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-09-18T22:28:19-04:00

I agree. Execute the traitor. Yet another victimization enabling by this unAmerican president.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 10:56 PM

2015-09-18T22:56:48-04:00

A friend of mines husband was in his unit in AK when this happened. From what I know (heard & read) he deserves the book to be thrown at him. But, I see this ending in his favor due to politics. Do you really think they're going to release gitmi prisoners in exchange for his release then in turn lock him up? Doubtful.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-09-18T23:20:53-04:00

LOCK HIS TRAITOR BUTT UP IN GITMO!!

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 18 at 2015 11:30 PM

2015-09-18T23:30:56-04:00

My feeling is 'who cares about this little shit'. I just wish he would disappear and stop being a news story.

Response by Sgt Matt Koeneman made Sep 19 at 2015 1:14 AM

2015-09-19T01:14:12-04:00

Firing Squad no appeals

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Sep 19 at 2015 1:52 AM

2015-09-19T01:52:28-04:00

So let's for the moment assume this is true.

Isn't it still desertion of your post?

In military terminology, desertion is the abandonment of a duty or post without permission (a pass, liberty or leave) and is done with the intention of not returning.

If he was planning on leaving where he was to make a report about perceived problems, then he was likely not attempting to return home due to these perceived problems. No matter the intentions, it was still desertion.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 19 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-09-19T01:55:37-04:00

There are plenty of folks calling for his head. They won't be too pleased by this.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 19 at 2015 2:03 AM

2015-09-19T02:03:46-04:00

Bergdahl should spend some time at hard labor in Leavenworth...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-09-19T08:19:54-04:00

He needs to face some punishment for this if for no other reason than because it was a foolish stunt. If there's no repercussions, some other young servicemember out there might be tempted to try the same thing whenever he or she wants some "attention".

There are ways to address problems with the chain of command. This is not one of them.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Sep 19 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-09-19T08:45:02-04:00

If SGT Bergdahl had something to report at a higher level, there is other ways of doing it instead of risking his life by leaving his post and risking the lives of others. But I'm sure there are something going on mentally with him, I hope the Army look at all angles before coming to a final decision.

Response by SSG Glen Krinsky made Sep 19 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-09-19T11:03:52-04:00

I think this is being handled by the political machine. If he is not going to be executed, then he should be stripped of his citizenship and thrown in Gitmo. His excuse is BS and EVERYONE knows it. His actions directly lead to the deaths of 6 other American service members...there is NO defense for that.

Response by Col Richard Roessler made Sep 20 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-09-20T15:17:20-04:00

I am sure this response will be voted down, but... The General Officer investigating this case is entitled to his OPINION regarding this case. That is why we have due process (even in military cases). The General's opinion will be among many that the Article 32 panel will hear in rendering its decision (as a grand jury) to the Commanding General (and Court Marshal Authority) in this case. I still have faith that 'the right thing' will be done regarding this case. And...that is the great thing about our country...even an unpopular person like Bergdahl who allegedly abandoned his post, gets an Article 32 (Grand Jury) hearing and (if probable cause exists, which it probably does), a trial instead of a bullet in his head. A silly little thing called the Constitution is one of the reasons we serve (and last I knew we swore to protect and defend it). So let the investigating officer say what he will. The process will work in the end (and if it does not, I guess Congress will need to do something about the way UCMJ is administered so justice is served next time...I'm OK with that, it is part of the protection WE ALL HAVE! And anything different would be really scary!)

Response by SGT Robert Schaefer made Sep 20 at 2015 11:49 PM

2015-09-20T23:49:35-04:00

He deserves the firing squad or to sent to Leavenworth. He got good soldiers killed.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 21 at 2015 12:49 AM

2015-09-21T00:49:14-04:00

SGT Jeremiah Brookins, It sounds as if Bergdhal will be charged and judged as if he were a high ranking officer.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Sep 21 at 2015 12:58 AM

2015-09-21T00:58:21-04:00

I've heard this bull. When I was in Germany a three stripes defected to East Germany. Because NCOs who have been in the service a lot longer would not listen to his good ideas. He did not like the job they gave him. And he came back with his tail between his legs. And he was upset that on his return they threw him into the brig.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Sep 21 at 2015 1:25 AM

2015-09-21T01:25:02-04:00

I'm not a lawyer or a General, so I guess i have no real position to comment, but I will anyway... to me the guy is guilty and should face the consequences of it. I have to wonder why he was cleared of desertion charges.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-09-21T10:47:57-04:00

So, he should be exempt from punishment because he had "idealistic views" on the world? I'm sorry, did he not desert his post? Was he not an NCO & in a position of authority when he did this? Did he not cause the death of others when they went looking for him? HIS actions caused this. Therefore he should suffer the consequence of HIS actions. There is no exemption because his worldview was 'idealistic'.

Should Charles Manson have his sentence commuted because he had an 'idealistic view' of the world?

Response by SSG Norman Lihou made Sep 21 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-09-21T10:49:07-04:00

Bergdahl posing with a former senior Taliban official – Photo: Twitter

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 21 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-09-21T10:50:07-04:00

And here comes the comments....

This article just makes my head hurt. "Lame" training, "unrealistic" ideas. It's the military! Sometimes you have to just take on the suck and deal with it. If people were to walk off base every time something happened that we didn't agree with, our bases would be empty. But I'm sure you will see this case pushed under the carpet and lift return to "normal" and in 5 years from now, no one will know who Bergdahl was. He'll die in 40, 50, 60 years from now in a Veterans home. And those not directly involved in what happen will look back and still ask "Why".

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 21 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-09-21T10:51:56-04:00

Its unrealistic that this guy is a General.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-09-21T10:58:34-04:00

This guy...

He broke the first general order. The number one thing we are taught. If he does not get a severe punishment, then we are sending the message that you do not have to obey a lawful order. imagine where this take us.

Desertion. It's exactly what he did. He needs AT LEAST get that amount of jail time.

1st General Order
"I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved."

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 21 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-09-21T11:13:14-04:00

"with plans to run 19 miles to the larger Forward Operating Base Sharana, cause a disruption and get the attention of a general" I'm going to call BULLSHIT (excuse my language) on this one. This a**clown left his post most more than once, so the time he leaves for GOOD, he is going to "run" 19mi to Sharana with NO body armor, NO radio, NO weapon, NO backup and he expects to make it? And get the attention of a General? To the investigating official, are you seriously that starstruck? Name the LAST troop who made it one mile in RC-anywhere with NOTHING. I'll wait. Anyone with a third of a brain knows American forces are watched 25/8/366 over there. Nothing happens without someone making a cellphone call informing someone on you. Turn your Duke on? Please those kids can RUN!! So what good was that? So how in hell would he have pulled that off? 19 miles in RC East is a LONG (did I mention LONG?) freakin way in a vehicle. He's going on foot? Maybe a p/u? And to have his CoC discount the men who died looking for him. For some reason in my "regular" duties over there, looking for a missing Soldier wasn't part of my "regular" job description. I don't think it was in theirs either. I KNEW where my Soldiers were at all times (Chamkani isn't big), and none of them had any desire to run anywhere except the LZ when we knew mail was coming in or someone was on their way home with their replacement on the bird.
"I do not believe that there is a jail sentence at the end of this process"...so this in NO WAY is prejudicial to the process now is there? I mean a MG openly saying that carries some weight if I'm not mistaken. Sir to the SIX Soldiers who died looking for him, do you believe there is a LIFE sentence for them at the end of this process? Do you think the families of those SIX written off Soldiers care that he's "well read" and likes Pokeman? You've effectively told them "f*ck you". There's nothing else to say on it. I'm offended as an American you said this, disappointed as a NCO you'd even let this lapse of judgment come out of your mouth, and as a man crushed thinking that six lives have been marginalized..."just doing their jobs eh Sir"?

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 21 at 2015 11:22 AM

2015-09-21T11:22:53-04:00

It seems like in this day and time there are people who do not take responsibility for their actions, always someone else's fault. Their upbringing and values do not agree with their situation, etc. is BS.

I do not accept or understand that one is not held accountable for their actions. The military is a all volunteer force and like any employer one may not agree with certain things during their employment but you do not place others in danger for your actions. Do your time, then take your discharge. But to say he doesn't deserve any jail time because he wanted to communicate with a senior officer at FOB Sharana is pure bonk. Where is the accountability??

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-09-21T11:28:02-04:00

General-speak, translated to NCO-Speak:

1. Bergdahl is "unrealistically idealistic" - He is a dumbass
2. Bergdahl is remorseful for the trouble his actions caused - he wishes he didn't get in trouble.
3. Bergdahl left his SAW at the patrol base so he could "blend in to his surroundings" - yup. White guy in ACUs blends in real well. Nothing out of place here. See #1.
4. Bergdahl is "very bright and very well read" - nerd alert.
5. Bergdahl is fascinated by samurai culture - nerd alert smoking gun.
6. Bergdahl should have a larger role in targeting the Taliban - actually, SGT Bergdahl might be onto something here. He sure knew where to find the Taliban...
7. Bergdahl considered bringing a fellow Soldier's M9 with him, but didn't want to get him in trouble - this shows premeditation and planning. SAWs are heavy, and there is real shortage of shurikens, sai, and katanas in Afghanistan. Even deserters think the M9 is worthless.
8. Bergdahl had "unconventional upbringing" - yup, his parents are pieces of work too.
9. Bergdahl had "outsized impressions of his capabilities" - he may be a dumbass nerd, but he does dumbassery BIG. I think I'll do a 19-mile run in Paktika Province...
10. Bergdahl saw problems that other Soldiers did not - Bergdahl is paranoid.
11. Bergdahl saw the CSM and BC saying/ doing mean things - it is somebody else's fault.
12. Bergdahl "absolutely believed the things he perceived were true" - Berdahl is right, everyone else is wrong. Trust me, I have amazing capabilities...
13. "NTC is lame" - See #12

Fifty nine days with this knucklehead. You deserve an award for doing this and keeping a professional demeanor, MG Dahl. My hat's off to you.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 21 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-09-21T11:31:10-04:00

If the Coast Guard throws you out for being a whack job why in the hell did the Army Recruit Him?

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Sep 21 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-09-21T11:38:22-04:00

Please, someone remind me how many soldiers died (and/or were injured) while searching for this clown? Hopefully, MajGen Dahl will submit his resignation --and take a visit to those who went into harm's way for this sh**bird! Face-Palming at my laptop!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 21 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-09-21T13:32:00-04:00

I can imagine little which should influence a General Officer into making such a statement. "Does not deserve jail sentence," yes sir you are correct. For desertion in the face of the enemy, he deserves a firing squad. US Service Members died looking for this deserter. Have we forgotten that? Please pardon my outrage, but I am taken aback by the politicized nature of this General Officers bloviating.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Sep 21 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-09-21T13:37:20-04:00

I respectfully disagree with this officer's assessment. But if Bergdahl (I can't refer to him as a Soldier) is not convicted on the charges against him, I would recommend an immediate chapter for failure to adapt.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-09-21T13:43:30-04:00

How about a public execution ...

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 21 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-09-21T15:14:42-04:00

Sadly the general may prevent this traitor from getting proper punishment. I wonder if this decision was influenced from higher up. I.e. The president.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-09-21T16:01:14-04:00

Even if you consider his intentions in the process, you still have to look at what his actions cost us... money, injuries/lives, and 5 high-level bad guys. "But I didn't mean to..." doesn't quite cover it.

Response by SGT Charles Tittl made Sep 21 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-09-21T16:04:23-04:00

He was surprised to be told to lock his wall locker?!? I bet he never had a problem at BCT doing that! The drills loved to find an unsecured wall locker!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-09-21T17:00:46-04:00

“I think he actually believed that if five Taliban rolled up on him, he would have been able to dispose of them,” Dahl said.

He is clearly insane

Bergdahl also found his pre-deployment training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., “lame,” and was surprised that he was told to lock his wall locker to protect his possessions on an Army post, Dahl said. Soldiers should be able to trust one another, Bergdahl reasoned.

And past delusional.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-09-21T18:17:31-04:00

With all due respect to MG Dahl, I say, "poppycock!" Bergdahl "reasoned" (reasoned?!) that Soldiers should be able to trust one another. I guess that reasoning didn't exactly apply when he deserted his teammates and his post.

Response by SSG Michael Thornton made Sep 21 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-09-21T18:38:46-04:00

This is why the military as a whole needs to go back to the mindset of training people to our standards not bending them to fit the ideals of the civilians when they enlist.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Sep 21 at 2015 7:12 PM

2015-09-21T19:12:31-04:00

Good guys died looking for this shit head. It's not his fault that he's too dumb to understand the callous and satirical commentary of any and every senior NCO in the U.S. Military??

What garbage. Either way, if he doesn't die in prison, I'm sure people will be looking to do away with him if he ever is free. Dumbass.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Sep 21 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-09-21T19:26:43-04:00

Was the General name Bergdahl before he shortened it to Dahl? Was they kin or what?
I agree a deserter don't deserve jail because of the cost to feed, medicine, clothes, and other expenses.
I am going to stop before I say something wrong!

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 21 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-09-21T21:00:13-04:00

You are kidding me, right???? SERIOUSLY??? No freaking way! THIS IS JUST SOME KIND OF BIG JOKE....RIGHT?!?!?!

So, I gotta say it. ......... I'm thinking Obama had a little talk with General Dahl and said do what ever it takes to keep BOWE out of prison...cause if he goes to prison, it'll make me look like more of a dumb ass than I already do.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 21 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-09-21T21:10:17-04:00

Here in today's world we have so much political correctness BS...has it spilled over somehow into this Generals brain and made it into MUSH??? cause he cannot be thinking straight especially with writing a report like this.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 9:20 PM

2015-09-21T21:20:28-04:00

If Bergdahl truly idealized Samurai warrior culture, he would commit Seppuku (Samurai suicide) out of shame for being a treacherous coward who caused the death of his comrades.

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Sep 22 at 2015 7:24 AM

2015-09-22T07:24:05-04:00

.......well then.....now we know why Obama didn't fire Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl. He's a 'Yes' man

Response by Cpl Robert Masi made Sep 22 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-09-22T07:26:59-04:00

.......well then.....now we know why Obama didn't fire Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl. He's a 'Yes' man

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 22 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-09-22T11:49:34-04:00

He deliberately left his post. He should be sent to Court Martial. That he was held captive for five years does not mitigate this fact...

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Sep 22 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-09-22T12:26:38-04:00

I was in Afghan when this poor excuse for a human being disappeared...
He slithered away in the middle of the night leaving his weapon and most of his personal possessions behind. He had already mailed his laptop home along with a few other possessions. He had to low-crawl over 250 meters away from his patrol because he knew they were watching the perimeter with NVG's.

He had been overheard several times saying that the Taliban were misunderstood, and that he did not fully believe in what he was doing. His poor excuse for a Father had already told him multiple times to go AWOL.

I have a better idea, let's save some money
...and just hang him until dead

Response by Col Tolfe Albert made Sep 22 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-09-22T13:56:14-04:00

His actions were the immediate cause for the deaths of five innocent US soldiers, why would he not be jailed for that offense alone.

Response by CN Kristen Ruder made Sep 22 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-09-22T16:24:21-04:00

He thought he was smarter than those that outranked him. That right there is the start of his problems.
Why does this Maj. Gen. think we want his two cents? Do your job, gather evidence and question Bergdahl...your opinion is not part of the equation.

Response by SGT Jeffrey Dunaj made Sep 22 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-09-22T20:15:30-04:00

He walk away of his own will. He knew he was wrong, his actions cost lives, then we traded 5 now verified terrorists for him, by no means was he a free agent or a first round draft pick. He deserves what he gets and I hope he understands why...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-09-22T21:40:10-04:00

I wonder what is he smoking? Really does he really understand how many people lost their lives looking for this person?

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Sep 22 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-09-22T22:37:29-04:00

Obama's people got to the general

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-09-23T09:09:52-04:00

I don't care what he thinks. All I want to know is if there is sufficient evidence to move forward. If convicted, the sentencing phase can use his state of mind and/or the impact of his captivity in considering punishment (if any).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-09-23T12:53:49-04:00

SGT Jerimiah Brookings,
So, based on first glance at the Washington Post article you referenced I am struck by how enamored this COL seems to have become with SGT Berdahl's story after 59 days interviewing him. He should have recused himself, in my opinion because he became emotionally involved with the Soldiers story. The first and most important charge is desertion. Nothing in this article about his reasons whether real or imagined rise to the level of his own actions.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Sep 27 at 2015 4:14 AM

2015-09-27T04:14:58-04:00

Fine, just make sure he gets a Dishonourable Discharge. And a non-disclosure order, so he can't make money off of his "adventure".

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Dec 5 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-12-05T23:10:58-05:00

SGT Jeremiah B. SGT I wouldn't even waste bullets on him. Feed him to crocs or lions. Give him Chinese water torcher

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 15 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-12-15T12:20:42-05:00

I smell a rat. Sounds like politics is getting in the way of sound military decision making.

So it's ok to violate the UCMJ just because I didn't "mean to cause a fuss." No way. He made a conscious decision, he had a plan, and failed to carry it out. In legal terms we call this "malice a forethought" meaning he purposely meant to break the rules. But we will give him a pass because it didn't work out like he thought?

If this is the new standard, then the Army (and the military as a whole) is in big trouble.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Dec 18 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-12-18T09:34:14-05:00

I am glad to see that the FORSCOM CG decided not to follow this Officers recommendations...
I was in Theater when Bergdahl low-crawled 500 meters away from his post...leaving not only his weapon but his body armor behind... he had mailed his laptop home along with many of his personal possessions and in his emails he had stated that he "no longer wanted to be an American". The local villagers that saw him later that morning at 1000hrs (Bergdahl abandoned his outpost at 0200hrs) and said he was "actively asking where to find the Taliban".

There is very little that anyone could POSSIBLY say in his defense after all of that. and it is my personal opinion that the investigative GEN got caught up in Administration politics rather than any reasonable expectation of UCMJ, something the GEN himself SHOULD come under fire for.

The desertion charge against Bergdahl, which falls under Article 85 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, carries a maximum punishment of five years confinement, a dishonorable discharge, reduction to the rank of E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances.

The misbehavior before the enemy charge, which falls under Article 99 of the UCMJ, carries a maximum punishment of confinement for life as well as a dishonorable discharge, reduction in rank to E-1, and forfeiture of pay and allowances.

Its just too bad we cant have him face a firing squad, I'd volunteer in a heartbeat and I'd DEMAND to have one of the real rounds...

Response by CPO Richard Ullom MSITM, CISM, CERP, HISP made Oct 27 at 2017 2:40 PM

2017-10-27T14:40:34-04:00

I think he is a traitor and believe none of what he says. Too many people state the obvious that he walked away with no good intentions during time of war. To add insult to injury, the loss we take during the time we go looking for him. Then trading 5 high value for him? All bad!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Oct 27 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-10-27T16:52:16-04:00

After seeing his parents I am amazed he found his way to the recruiting station. He's been punished enough, send him home