Is Bergdahl a traitor or was he just AWOL?

Maj Randy Becker — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 15:25:01 -0400

Who knows the answer to this question?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 3:54 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 15:54:56 -0400

I hope Bergdahl knows. But, it has been five years. Who knows what he remembers.

Response by SGT Jim Perry made Jun 3 at 2014 4:07 PM

SGT Jim Perry — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 16:07:59 -0400

To leave your guard post unattended and desert to the enemy makes him a Traitor in my book. He put the whole unit in jeopardy.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jun 3 at 2014 5:33 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:33:21 -0400

It depends on which stories I want to believe. I heard grumblings about this years ago, that the whole disappearance was suspicious. At this juncture, I am highly suspicious of him, but I am not yet ready to label him traitor, AWOL, or hero. I am leaning towards traitor, but I need more information (not that my opinion really matters).

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 3 at 2014 5:37 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:37:54 -0400

I just hope the investigation is honest and thorough. I am doing my best to withhold judgment until the results are in... although I must admit, it's not easy at this point.

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 3 at 2014 7:20 PM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 19:20:36 -0400

At this point we cannot make a true determination as to there are to many unanswered questions. I hope the military does a investigation that is honest and thorough to ensure they get they correct answer to handle the situation properly.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Jun 3 at 2014 8:02 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:02:03 -0400

As I recall, by the UCMJ, if you are UA/AWOL for more than 30 days, you are considered a deserter. Therefore, if he did, indeed, walk off his post to go seek comfort from the enemy, then he is not only a deserter through the UCMJ, but the Code of Conduct as well

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 3 at 2014 8:41 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 20:41:22 -0400

How about AWOC, absent without a clue?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 4 at 2014 12:25 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 00:25:13 -0400

I am a just and fair man so I would like to examine all of the evidence before I form my opinion but I am not in that position. What I am pretty sure is that he was disillusioned to why he was there in Afghanistan from the e-mail and/or letters he wrote. Also, there are several accounts from his fellow team members who have made statements about his anti American ramblings. They also said he walked away from his post. Was he in some mental state that would cause him not to be responsible for his own actions? I don't think so for his e-mail or letters speaks volumes how he felt about his fellow Americans. We don't know what the Tali-ban put into his head or what brain washing they did. I really don't want to be near anything or anyone who claims he is a hero. He is a disgrace to the uniform. The Army could hammer this guy with prison time for being AWOL, and I would sleep like a baby. Does he even know the names of the SMs who died looking for him?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 4 at 2014 1:40 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 01:40:33 -0400

Susan Rice said Bergdahl, served “with honor and distinction”. Does she research the things she is told to say?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 12:07 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:07:49 -0400

I have my own opinion about the answer to that question, which I will not delve into here, suffice it to say I was in AFG at the RC-East HQs at the time this happened.

Here is a link to a story from one of the guys in his unit at the time, feel free to read and draw your own conclusions. From a non judgemental standpoint about Bergdahl himself, I will say that I think that no matter what the "truth" is, he is not likely to be punished. This has become too political for the process to work correctly. He will likely be medically retired from the Army, receive full benefits, get out, and write a book telling "his side" of the ordeal, which I hope no one will buy.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/02/we-lost-soldiers-in-the-hunt-for-bergdahl-a-guy-who-walked-off-in-the-dead-of-night.html#

We Lost Soldiers in the Hunt for Bergdahl, a Guy Who Walked Off in the Dead of Night

For five years, soldiers have been forced to stay silent about the disappearance and search for Bergdahl. Now we can talk about what really happened.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 1:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:15:08 -0400

That's a trick question right now. On one hand if we look at just the emails and suggestive evidence from his squad I'd say he is a traitor; then you add on top he walked away from his place of duty, his watch post, he is AWOL, it's a double edge sword. Only he will know the true answer, what really has me wondering is his motives, I understand trying to learn the language so you can at least communicate a little but it seems to me he went a little over board and his father is a little odd to speak to him in a language which isn't even native to the area he was held. By all means this soldier should be brought up on UMCJ actions and not called a hero, if he faces charges or not is not my call but he should face some form of punishment for his riled in his disappearance.

Response by 1SG Robert Branch made Jun 4 at 2014 10:11 PM

1SG Robert Branch — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 22:11:00 -0400

Our system has become so corrupt we may never know. I fought bled an almost died in two wars (Korea &Vietnam) because I believe this was the greatest country on earth, I still believe that and would do it all over again (Maybe I could do it a little better). I just hope this generation will stand up and be counted and turn this great country around. I thank all you Guys & Gals for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 9:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:43:10 -0400

Honestly I think the only people who really know are Bergdahl and those guys on that COP/FOB with him. Now we are seeing a lot of stuff played out on the media (which ever group subscribe to) as to interviews from TM/SQD/PLT mates, folks are saying they do not know either.

I think there will be in an investigation, I believe that for a fact. What I also believe is that IF and I will restate that IF there was misconduct on Bergdahl's part as in he willfully deserted his unit, big Army and the general public will never know. I think the results will be classified and it will filed away under executive privilege and that will be the end of it.

What does intrigue me, and this may be SOP, as I have never dealt personally with this, was the unit members being made to sign Non Disclosure Agreements. I haven't heard of this from other instances where Soldiers were MIA.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 5 at 2014 10:00 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:00:40 -0400

In reality, only SGT Bergdahl knows for sure. His fellow Soldiers have an idea of what happened, and there is supposedly a written note/letter out there somewhere that he left behind. I have tried to keep an open mind about this while issue, but even when the disappearance/capture first occurred, there were grumblings of him "walking away from his post". The more info that comes out the more I believe that he did desert his post, but he is the only one that knows for sure.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jun 5 at 2014 2:51 PM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:51:36 -0400

I find it strange that his father somehow is completely fluent in the language of his captors... How many Americans speak Arabic, especially specific dialects, without special training let alone their parents......

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 6 at 2014 4:44 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:44:23 -0400

No one knows at this point.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 11:11 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 11:11:28 -0400

A coward and an opportunist.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 2 at 2016 7:29 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 02 May 2016 19:29:20 -0400

I think back to Private Eddie Slovak who was the last soldier executed for desertion. His sprit was broken was scared to death, but he did not commit treason. He actually turned himself into a Canadian outfit, and they turned him over. His defense was he didn't want to go back tot he front. Keep in mind the battle of the Bulge had been raging. Now transition to Bergdahl, he left his post, was he going home or did he want to be captured? His father is an American Muslim, in all likelihood he had an impact on his son beliefs. I will say this, at least he choose not to lob grenades into a tent like some one else we know.

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made May 8 at 2016 12:41 PM

CWO4 Tim Hecht — Sun, 08 May 2016 12:41:16 -0400

In my opinion - strictly my opinion based on what I've seen and read- Bergdahl is a deserter and a traitor who aided and abetted the enemy. If the story of him relating to helping the Taliban by telling them about small unit tactics they would use to Serb for him after his initial departure - which resulted in deaths and severe injuries to his supposed comrades-in-arms then he really should receive maximum punishment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2016 1:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 May 2016 13:57:43 -0400

I noticed "worthless turd" was not an option. However, with that said, when in doubt go to the elements of the article in the MCM.

Article 86—Absence without leave

Any member of the armed forces who, without authority—

(1) N/A in this case.

(2) goes from that place; or (applicable)

(3) absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed; (applicable)

Intent is a difficult thing to establish however, in the case of AWOL, “Specific intent is not an element of unauthorized absence. Specific intent is an element for certain aggravated unauthorized absences.”

So he was AWOL IAW the elements of ART 86. Interestingly, the MCM does not make mention of being a traitor or betrayal but defers to the Art III, Sect. 3 of our Constitution which states “Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort ...”

What the phrase “adhering to their Enemies” is a matter for the lawyers to argue and the judge to adjudicate.

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made May 24 at 2016 6:19 PM

SPC Tony Bucaro — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:19:45 -0400

Just hearing or seeing this ass-hats name makes me sick. I can't believe how soft the Army has got. Good men .... my brothers .... died looking for this ass-clown and yet he walks around free as a fucking bird!! I'm sorry Sir but this old school GRUNT would gladly like to put a 5.56 round in his head!!

Response by A1C Jeff D. made May 26 at 2016 12:09 AM

A1C Jeff D. — Thu, 26 May 2016 00:09:51 -0400

Personally, I say traitor.
Also, I think the DoD is dragging its feet on purpose until after the election, to lower the chance of a presidential pardon.

Both of these statements are my personal opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2016 2:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 02:08:14 -0400

The only one that knows the answer to that question is Bergdahl. Now are we ever going to hear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? IMO. No we won't. The CM will decide guilt or innocence, but he will have to live with it for the rest of his life...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 19 at 2018 6:58 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 06:58:25 -0400

He was a sniveling wimp.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Mar 19 at 2018 2:45 PM

Cpl John Barker — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:45:44 -0400

Why not both?