Is Bergdahl a traitor or was he just AWOL?

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?

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.

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.

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).

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.

Why not both?

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...

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.

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!!

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.