Soldiers rarely prosecuted for desertion Army data shows

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:55:56 -0500

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/soldiers-rarely-prosecuted-for-desertion-army-data-show-1.321053

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 26 at 2014 10:56 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:56:45 -0500

I hope to be proven wrong, but the President has spent too much political capital to treat him like he deserves.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 26 at 2014 10:59 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:59:00 -0500

I imagine many of the SMs end up pleading guilty or to a lesser charge to avoid a court marshal.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 26 at 2014 11:10 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:10:55 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland, PVT Edward Donald "Eddie" Slovik (February 18, 1920 – January 31, 1945) was a United States Army soldier during World War II and the only American soldier to be court-martialed and executed for desertion since the American Civil War.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 26 at 2014 11:25 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:25:40 -0500

I hope this isn't taken the wrong way, as cynical or negative for no reason (that's not my intent). But the more I think about the Bergdahl situation and the evidence that is public (which is a small fraction of the evidence considered, I know) -- I just don't anticipate a significant punishment being given to him, if any is even given. Overall, I have faith in the military's ability to make the right legal decision here based on the facts and evidence, not on what the public may be clamoring for. Whether or not it's hard for me to say this, Bergdahl deserves a just trial just like anyone else. As military folks we fight and bleed to protect those rights.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Dec 27 at 2014 12:04 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:04:28 -0500

Robert R. Garwood is a good example.......