The Bergdahl Trade: A Case of Treachery And Betrayal

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:14:23 -0400

Many of us who have been proud to serve are still bewildered by the 5-for-1 deal which saw the return of Bowe Bergdahl in exchange for a group of key Taliban commanders.

As deals go this one stank, especially since details are now emerging Bergdahl could’ve been swapped for a Pakistani mother-of-three.

The revelation is a slap in the face to every serving soldier and now this traitor has the nerve to rub salt into the wounds by appealing the dishonorable discharge portion of his sentence.

Some of us hold the opinion that when Bergdahl was sentenced to a reduction in rank, fined $10,000 and given a dishonorable discharge he got off lightly.

The dodgy 5-for-1 deal, brokered by the US State Department under Obama, was unprecedented and one, I’ve just learned, that was totally unnecessary.

Before the Taliban Five were released from Guantanamo Bay, Bergdahl was to be traded for a Pakistani neuroscientist serving time in prison for the attempted murder of US soldiers.

This deal was being brokered by the US military after British journalist Yvonne Ridley acted as a go between in negotiations. If her name sounds familiar, Ridley was captured by the Taliban in September 2001 and held for 11 days before being released.

Bergdahl was to be exchanged with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who was given 86 years after being convicted of the attempted murder of military personnel.

The mainstream media likes to portray Siddiqui as an al Qaeda Mata Hari, but a close examination of the facts around her case raises more questions than answers.

Ridley told me she was days away from getting the deal done when talks broke down with the Taliban. Instead, the US State Department jumped in with the 5-for-1 deal which now sees the Taliban Five living the high life in Qatar.

According to Ridley, Pakistan's intelligence service, the ISI, shut down the talks. Whatever your views, trading Siddiqui for Bergdahl was a no brainer; however the elephant in the room is why this had anything to do with the ISI?

Pakistan has enjoyed billions of US military aid dollars over the past several decades, and they’ve played us for fools. While taking US tax dollars they’ve been bankrolling and supporting the Taliban ... our enemy! This is the same ISI which shielded Osama bin Laden, remember him?

This takes us back to the Siddiqui story which is an enigma surrounded by the smoky mirrors of US and Pakistan intelligence agencies. Ridley insists Siddiqui's case is a gross miscarriage of justice, but if you listen to the intel community the good doctor is the most dangerous woman in the world. I've looked into the evidence from Siddiqui's trial and in my opinion it has more holes than a pop-up target on a qualification range.

One powerful example is that the prosecution wants us to believe that Dr. Sddiqui picked up an M-4 carbine in the police station where she was being interrogated and then tried to shoot a room full of US soldiers. Does anyone know of a single case where a soldier carelessly laid down their M-4 on the floor during an interrogation?

A US soldier would NEVER, and I mean NEVER lay his or her weapon down unless it was unloaded and taken apart for cleaning. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it takes an overactive imagination to believe that a slight, untrained female overpowered a male US soldier, took his weapon; locked, loaded, took aim, fired and missed.

Kangaroo trial aside, my focus is the Bergdahl trade and why we are still subsidizing Pakistan, when it is clearly aiding and abetting the Taliban?

If this whole sorry tale has left you angry - and you damn well should be - we should demand an investigation by President Donald Trump's administration into the 5-for-1 deal.

While we are honor bound to defend freedom, it should not come at this price.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 29 at 2018 1:18 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 13:18:06 -0400

Injustice breeds Injustice. I fear we have spawned a whirlwind of injustice with this disposition of the Bergdahl case

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 29 at 2018 2:00 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:00:04 -0400

Naturally, MAJ Montgomery Granger, all of this has Obama's imprimatur.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 29 at 2018 2:02 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:02:05 -0400

There had to be some under the table action in this deal.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Jun 29 at 2018 2:12 PM

1LT Vance Titus — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:12:17 -0400

"...brokered by the US State Department... John Kerry rears his ugly head, again?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 2:53 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:53:38 -0400

MAJ Montgomery Granger This was not the first time that our military was shafted by our government, and it will not be the last. This sorry tale has left me angry.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 4:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 16:27:33 -0400

Let's be careful not to let emotions of one thing muddy the waters of another. Despite ones feelings about Bergdahl, he had nothing to do with the exchange. Like you said, that was State Department driven. While prisoner exchanges have happened in the past, I want to say that they were done after the war was over. In this case, the war was/is far from over.

And as far as his appeal of the dishonorable discharge, it shouldn't be surprising. This seems to be standard operating procedure for those found guilty of crimes these days. Instead of just taking the punishment, they appeal.

But hey, I've said it before and will say it again, I don't know the details of his situation and I don't really care. I wasn't there and I don't lose sleep over it.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 29 at 2018 5:26 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 17:26:50 -0400

Disgusting trade.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Jun 29 at 2018 6:23 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 18:23:26 -0400

"A US soldier would NEVER, and I mean NEVER lay his or her weapon"

Not true. It has happened in every war we find ourselves in.

IMO, Bergdahl should never had bee in the Army. He was a walking disaster looking for a place to happen. Unfortunately, it happened in war time.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 29 at 2018 10:41 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 22:41:20 -0400

DaOne didn't get a 70 million book deal for nothing. What a figure head for an agenda.
I sure hope the American tax pay made sure those warriors for Su'en had their teeth cleaned and medical updated before they were sent back to war for the enemy.
Sarc off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 11:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 23:41:40 -0400

Yeah this has been something that has been getting to me for a while. You see cops get away with murder and get paid time off and a medal. But soldiers are in a tough spot constantly. Not defending birgdhal cause he deserves to get fried for what he did. But think about it. Under the slightest political scrutiny our country would trade 5 enemy general equivalents for one private just to bring that private back to prosecute him. Shows you a lot about the position service members are in. Shameful.... We shouldn’t have brokered that deal and negotiated with terrorist.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jun 30 at 2018 2:47 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 02:47:35 -0400

Treachery hell! It was TREASON!!! And the worst part -- our constitutionally unqualified, fraudulently elected, "lead from behind" Commander-in-Chief was never called to account!

Response by CPO Peggy Morris made Jun 30 at 2018 11:42 AM

CPO Peggy Morris — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 11:42:12 -0400

This is why https://youtu.be/y8cp1KvZKPo proud to be an American these traitors are not.

Q: The Plan To Save The World

This is the video I have been meaning to make for some time now. But a You Tuber named Joe Masepoes beat me to it. So for the first time ever, I share someon...

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jun 30 at 2018 10:30 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 22:30:29 -0400

Don't get me started on this one.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Jul 1 at 2018 7:10 AM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 07:10:54 -0400

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Jul 1 at 2018 5:18 PM

CW5 Ranger Dave — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:18:04 -0400

The way the O-man was hitting on Mamasan in the Rose Garden, I knew nothing was going to happen. Know what I mean...

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 2 at 2018 6:13 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 06:13:28 -0400

The actions that x-President took was a in-your-face act against Us Goid Americans who believed in doing things
Right by the law.. ‘That guy(x Pres) followed his and the socialist interpretation o what they think is right
(They overlooked that he walked off his Post and that an injustice was served him
And that we didn’t look at his story.. (bergdahl’s).. what I seen from what was reported, berghdahl deserted his assigned duty .. what else is there to tell?
He deserted in time of an armed conflict Soldiers got injured, killed searching for him... And the story is dragged out.. Obama wasn’t surprised by that traitor’s father.. they are both of traitorous ilk. i don’t have to think the mom was right in there with those thoughts. I’m sure she was ! Like I said previously Obama loved shoving that back in our patriot faces..

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 2 at 2018 6:16 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 06:16:03 -0400

@SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth] : absolutely correct on that thought!

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 2 at 2018 8:25 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 08:25:33 -0400

That was a fast comeback.. thx ! I’d done another .. trying get these commented on.
They came in y’day.. I looked at y’day and decided to approach tomorrow(this morn’g)so I could approach with a clear mind. Y’day family people were throwing stuff at me about my truck.. I need to step down and get a car. Or get a small truck.. not as powerful(like a 6-pack). They know my thoughts on that idea.. so why do they keep throwing that at me?
I’ll say why... nothing but intimidation..
way back when I bought a new truck..
they wanted me to step down and get a dinky little toy of a car.. oh it’s roomy..
I threw it to wind and got my truck.. I’m always putting in to win stuff.. like a new truck ! My intent is if I win I turn into credit union as a payment on my truck..
I did do that.. I bought ticket at a Aunt’s church... It was picked ! I picked it up with a trailer and took with all the paperwork to the credit union.. viola ! My present truck was paid off ... credit union even paid the prize tax..! Family said what I did was unethical... (seemed there was an agreement I made that I kept the truck I won for 6 months.. I had never signed the agreement.. to their dismay ... they seen that I had not.. they thought I had.. oh well.. nobody spoke to me for about a year.. silence was sweet ! I betrayed them(they thought) like Obama betrayed
The American public... They even implied I was Not honorable because I didn’t sign that agreement.. I didn’t recall that I would.. maybe I said when I win the the truck I would.. in the excitement I think we both did. That church’s ladies Auxiliary said they took it on faith that I would...
A member of their Church is a attorney
He even said I had the right to do what I wanted with the new truck. .. so I say good .. now family and that Auxiliary ...
Please leave me be ! That was not to be!
A member and his spouse were members. of that church.. He was one of its Elders.
He informed me that if he and his brother had shown at meeting to vote for Commander I would not had gotten it. I already had an overwhelming majority..?
What happened.... another member(a former Cmdr from a few terms previous had “stacked the deck” so he thought..
they turned on him and voted me in .. “Cmdr BOYD came up through the chairs the right way.. we owe him our vote and support!” That previous Cmdr. Thought I couldn’t do the job.. I proved him wrong.. I recruited, others did so too.. I used to have a dozen or so members follow my team and I to the District meetings every quarter.. (these comrades were also on the Post Ritual team with me.. ). We showed up wearing our gear for a meeting and coincidentally the District H.G. Had a funeral to attend to bury a Comrade... we stepped up .. and opened and closed the. Meeting ceremonies. When near end Of my year approached I already had 100+
Members for my All-state and white hat.. a part of those who conspired against me at election decided to give 4 recruits to the incoming cmdr (my Senior Vice) 1 is 2 I could see.. their intent was to deny my white hat, which they still did.. The State Cmdr seen the conspiracy for what it was.. Them guys wanted an ‘old boys club.. sit an’ suck down beers and other libations.. recruit just enough .. My intent and Dept’s was to increase membership and promote it’s programs and National’s programs.. Though he couldn’t get that white hat approved(I had all the other requirements done.. I needed them other 2 members (them guys succeeded in stealing 5 to the new guy, he only needed 1 at very most). State Cmdr got me a 100% pin.. it’s a shame when petty jealousies interfere.. (that’s right there in our meeting read’gs.. others that are members in RP, some may be V.F.W. Mbrs. We (the team and I)had a good amount of members going to VA Hospital, nearby convalescent (continued care) homes.. to visit and look after our elderly Comrades... there’s just so much
a continued care facility csn do.. RP members who may have family in those places can attest to that.. The good ol’ boys insinuated that when I took guys and Auxiliary to Hospital that cut in on the canteen 50-50s... true, half went to Canteen which is a non VFW entity.. the other half went to rounds at the Canteen beer cooler.. If they’d do a drawing for say V.F.W. Nat’l Home for Children.. (we do a collectionn of change for kids and families at the meeting and have couple little houses on the counter for change .. i’d Seen one of the bar workers depositing some tip money in one of the little home’s chimney.. not just just one worker but both did it. I’m covering a couple or maybe more subjects so bear with me here.. The V.F.W. Is about service to our needy Veterans and family .. and community (Drug Safety awareness for the youth in our community, Patriotic programs; Youth essays[ Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s pen..Scout’g programs.. etc.,). We did that but were not on a big enough scale I thought..
that was my old post.. I’m at Tecumseh and I want to see us take a better path here also.. not be just stuck hanging in the club for beer and alcohol.. get out and get involved.. we do programs here but I want to see on a bigger.scale.. we have adopted ‘Young Marines’. And Sponsor Scouts.. .... I don’t agree with the Girls going in with the Boys(the Girl Scout program supports planned parenthood on it’s face.. but for proper family planning, not abortion..) I think Girl Scouts has an ulterior motive ( some of its adult leaders are tied in with planned parenthood and it’s not the actual family planning part] They aren’t satisfied getting in and pushing ‘planned parenthood’ on the girls, but in the boys scout program too ( The left is trying to push their political correct crap on e’thing(allowing gays in scouts and corrupt’g their program )... <-I think letting gays in, the pervs/pedophiles aren’t far behind... I don’t blame the Mormon church pulling its BOYS and adult/ parents out of the Scout program..
and some other religious groups too .. I’ll stop there..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2018 3:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 15:59:08 -0400

They should’ve created a military version of the game show “Let’s Make A Deal.” The U.S. should’ve “zonked” on making a deal for Begrdahl.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jul 10 at 2018 12:25 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 12:25:45 -0400

I was always of the belief that the USA didn't deal or negotiate with terrorist so why did the Obama Administration trade 5 top shelf terrorists for a known deserter from our ARMY? Can someone tell me why this is so? It must have been a total embarrassment to the Obama administration when the details of his deal got out and there were embarrassed state officials, American Citizens and our elected legislators who were all saying "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot"

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jul 10 at 2018 2:13 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:13:41 -0400

Whatever happened to that little puke Bergdahl? Is he in custody?

Response by CPO David Sharp made Jul 11 at 2018 7:47 AM

CPO David Sharp — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 07:47:41 -0400

He should have been either given life without parole or executed. As far as I am concerned, he is responsible for the deaths of those who went out to find him. On an very extreme case, the entire bunch could have been taken out via drone and none of this would matter. Obama was a disaster to this Country and he should be examined for high crimes and treason.

Response by SPC Herb Jorgensen made Jul 20 at 2018 7:25 PM

SPC Herb Jorgensen — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:25:46 -0400

Well history has shown that President Carter aligned the US with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 1979 during the Iranian Islamic revolution as the US embassy was captive,and continued to screw up all of it and many of what we have today is an end result in the matter.On the top of all of that was the Incompetence of the Obama administration to select qualified military commanders.The Burgdhal case should have been handled very differently.I my mind by the information received he should have been allowed to have accommodations set forth at Ft Leavenworth of no less than 45 years- life.Several soldiers lost their life looking for his ass ,and that should have conscribed at the very least man slaughter.

Response by CPO Lou Oliver made Jul 21 at 2018 7:00 PM

CPO Lou Oliver — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 19:00:56 -0400

It was just one of the many times Team Obama screwed us, all of us, civilian and military alike.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jul 21 at 2018 8:18 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 20:18:49 -0400

I've seen a message go out to a U. S. Soldier that not only set their weapon down, but leave it behind after a concert on Al Taqqadam air base in Iraq telling them to come get their M4 from one of the base offices. I understand the sentiment of the unlikely situation you describe, and the deal stank all round. Why we allowed 5 top players to get out is still a mystery to me. As far as I know giving material support to terrorist is punishable by a specific charge, that has yet to be dropped on anyone involved in that shady deal. Why we are funding people that openly and actively hate us is a second great mystery.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Jul 30 at 2018 7:41 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 19:41:55 -0400

Bergdahl got off extremely easy. This deal was arranged by a traitor president and his worthless cabinet. Names too many to mention. Obama, Kerry, Clinton and Bergdahl should all be tried and convicted for treason. I have absolutely no feelings or sympathy for any of them. If I stumbled upon any of them flopping around like a fish out of water, I’d drag them further from the pond. Life behind bars is not enough. They need to be put to death. I haven’t forgotten or gotten over Benghazi yet. These “responsible” people need to be held accountable for their “lack of actions”.

Response by Sgt Larry Howe made Aug 4 at 2018 1:33 AM

Sgt Larry Howe — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 01:33:36 -0400

When you have a Muslim as Commander in Chief this is what happens. He looked for a reason to give these terrorist back and Bergdal was his excuse

Response by SFC Richard Lee made Aug 6 at 2018 7:30 AM

SFC Richard Lee — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:30:45 -0400

That's easy to say if you never worked in intelligence, they went with the information that they could verify, and I can say without a doubt that the Taliban would not have given up trying to get their commanders back without utilizing the only American soldier that they had in their custody that was still alive by trading a female Pakistani. Apparently you don't understand how they operate. If the Taliban will shoot a little girl in the head for going to school, you think that they would give her up instead of that one American soldier for the freedom of their commanders. To the Taliban she has no value except to bare children.

Response by SFC Richard Lee made Aug 6 at 2018 7:33 AM

SFC Richard Lee — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 07:33:21 -0400

Since POUST took office, I’ve observed in horror as he has labeled the news media that doesn’t fabricate a story that shows him in a good light, instead using his words and deeds as filmed and/or spoken as the fake news media and/or enemies of the American People. I as a citizen of this country find that behavior on his part to be totally unacceptable and something that you would see in a country that has a dictator as the leader. I understand that he wants to appear that he a strong leader like those he idolize, but his current behavior is not how the POTUS should behave. While I was serving in the Armed Forces of this great country, if my behavior would have been in any way reflective of his behavior, I would have been re leaved of duty pending court martial of separation from the service. We have checks and balances on the executive branch by the legislative branch, but I see when you have the legislative branch that’s the same political party as the POTUS, they seem to be afraid to do that part of their job, therefore, if there is a blue wave come this November, it’s clearly needed. Watching this current administration as it is currently need to change. I understand having to take credit for some things, but you have to give credit where credit is due and take your lumps when deeds and/or words don’t go according to plan. When the previous administration was in office, nothing took place that should have been investigated went un investigated, but the same can’t be said as of now, involving administration officials and/or POTUS himself. Currently, I feel that the United States has become the laughing stock of the world. The new media is not the enemies of the American People nor is their reporting fake news. On 17 July 2018 when the POTUS stood onstage alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and accepted the former KGB officer's denials regarding interference in the 2016 presidential election and was asked directly which one he believed, his own intelligence community or Putin POTUS gave the answer, he sided with Putin. When that transpired, I switched between FOX, CNN, MSMBC, ABC, CBS and NBC and they were all reporting the same, with the same video to backup their reporting. That was not fake news, but he later claimed that it was and went on later to try to explain what he meant to say. Well ladies and gentlemen, what he said is what he meant at the time and the damage was already done. It has taken our great country decades to forge the alliances that it has and I starting to wonder if those countries trust what they’re being told today because it could change tomorrow. Just think, no POTUS should got into a meeting with a foreign leader that’s not a friend of our country without a member of his cabinet to witness the conversation in the event that leader comes back later and say that he promised this or that. Currently the people of our great nation have no idea of what or if anything was promised, that is totally unexceptionable. Congress should be during their job investigating what if anything transpired in that two (2) hour meeting with only an interpreter which was just just a mirror image of his meeting with the dictator of North Korea on 12 July 2018. The entire situation makes me very uneasy. Many people predicted that the previous POTUS was going to find a way to delay the election to remain in office, so all of the haters and conspiracy-theorist may want to think about is this the president that has no plans of leaving office and is this in the pipeline somewhere down the road, only time will tell. For all haters who feel that the members of POTUS campaign did nothin wrong, I would like you to stop and think, when in United States history has a presidential campaign ever took assistance from a foreign power for dirt on their opponent. Consider this, items of interest to the Russians, wishing NATO would go away, American bases in Eastern Europe in former Warsaw Pack countries, the Magnitsky Act, sanctions that were imposed during the previous administration, for Russian Intelligence to get their hands on a diplomat for interrogation for something that his may have did or had knowledge of, which he would have had diplomatic immunity for if he had and the list goes on. I put it out there, now you be the open minded judge of what you think about the situation. Whatever was done was done so no Americans were left in captivity.

Response by PO2 Chuck Mackin made Aug 8 at 2018 1:50 PM

PO2 Chuck Mackin — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 13:50:56 -0400

To what end? We can only learn from our mistakes, and try not to repeat. The current administration does not need anymore distractions/diversions.

Response by PO2 Chuck Mackin made Aug 8 at 2018 1:56 PM

PO2 Chuck Mackin — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 13:56:56 -0400

To what end? We must learn from our mistakes, so as not to repeat. The current administration does not need anymore distractions/diversions. Truth be told, are they capable of holding an unbiased investigation?

Response by SGT Vito DeGregorio made Aug 10 at 2018 5:50 PM

SGT Vito DeGregorio — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:50:42 -0400

I feel he, as well as the majority of the Obama regime, should be tried for TREASON and punished according!

Response by Lt Col Vincent Ziccardi made Aug 13 at 2018 1:21 PM

Lt Col Vincent Ziccardi — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 13:21:15 -0400

Unfortunately, with modern means of "communication", most of us are not privy to "real" news or information. But if we are to believe the skimpy 15 second "news flashes" that we are fed daily, Bergdahl should have been long dead by firing squad for desertion during combat. What's the question??

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Aug 14 at 2018 8:31 AM

1SG Dave Carello — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 08:31:53 -0400

I don't know if I could respond to this question without the bile of disgust welling up within me. Disgust at the traitor Bergdahl or disgust with the the foul and fool former NON president Obama AND his corrupt incompetent administration. Suffice it to say, that you call all see the seeds of division fostered by this MORON alive and well today.

Response by 1SG Michael Highfill made Aug 14 at 2018 2:01 PM

1SG Michael Highfill — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:01:45 -0400

Very good narrative! You identified more low -level thinking and action by the previous administration.

Response by CW3 Jack Beckman made Aug 15 at 2018 4:32 PM

CW3 Jack Beckman — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:32:29 -0400

"A US soldier would NEVER, and I mean NEVER lay his or her weapon down unless it was unloaded and taken apart for cleaning. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it takes an overactive imagination to believe that a slight, untrained female overpowered a male US soldier, took his weapon; locked, loaded, took aim, fired and missed."

I'm sorry, were you in a different Army than I was? Unfortunately that happens, all too often. Soldiers lay their weapons down all the time without thinking. In Iraq I did a 15-6 on a weapon left on the side of a trailer with a D7 dozer on it. The D7 was offloaded and the rifle bent into an "L" shape. We all want to think we are in a secured area, that we can lay our weapons down because we are all among friends. It happens.

Response by Amn Joseph H. made Aug 20 at 2018 11:29 PM

Amn Joseph H. — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:29:41 -0400

While everything about this Bowe Bergdahl other then he deserted in the field. That is a very serious charge, but not knowing more than that going to give an enlisted guy due process. As for the trading, in my way of thinking it is what we do not know what else was going that makes a judge at best ludacris, everyone who has served knows much is left off the record. IOne of these Taliban may have given up a comrade and gotten the others to do likewise and intel was looking for a excuse to hand thrm over to thire brevern. The civilians involved, concrete desk troopers are not sources I would trust over the word of troop in the field. The scale theft alone in afghanistan and Iraq has the pentagon several months ago admitting they did not know were 20 billion went:) The whole story from hair to nails stinks to high heaven:) And trusting this pack of corporates lead by a 4 deferment coward in the WH are not really qualified to handle problems on this level.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Aug 22 at 2018 6:16 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:16:44 -0400

Obama thought it was a fair trade.

Response by Sgt Rich Bell made Aug 22 at 2018 7:48 PM

Sgt Rich Bell — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:48:35 -0400

Stupid corrupt deal

Response by HN Charles H. made Aug 23 at 2018 5:23 PM

HN Charles H. — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 17:23:38 -0400

Dirty deeds, done by John Kerry (yet another traitor) and BHO made for an all-inclusive deal that only helped the Taliban, BHO, Traitor Kerry and Traitor Bergdahl. Fellow troops were injured, maimed and killed because of Traitor Bergdahl's need to be a Jihadist collaborator. Did he ever apologize to the victims and families of the soldiers killed during Traitor Bergdahl's "Taliban tour"?

Response by SSgt John Carter made Aug 26 at 2018 8:08 AM

SSgt John Carter — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:08:48 -0400

Never leave anyone behind. Even those who will face justice. American history backs that up.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Aug 26 at 2018 6:43 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 18:43:11 -0400

I believe he should have been convicted of AWOL and Treason. Our race-baiter in Chief O'Muslim, dropped the ball on this one. Purposely, as far as I am concerned.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 12:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 00:54:47 -0400

Bowe was an idiot and an idealist, but a traitor he was not. If you can handle an opposing viewpoint, listen to Serial season two. It covers the story from capture to pre-trial.

Response by PFC Flor Gomez made Aug 31 at 2018 3:02 PM

PFC Flor Gomez — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:02:42 -0400

Some things sure make your blood boil way further than we can contain. Stemming from one bad soldiers decision. Makes me think of that movie with Jack Nicholson...if someone would have just given him the code red. No good deed goes unpunished there is a greater God who stands in heaven. And yes in the mean time accountability needs to happen !!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 10:41 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 10:41:20 -0400

That was one of the biggest slaps in the face by a sitting president, we get a traitor and they get 5 who will try and kill Americans. I serve proudly and to attack our president now is treachery.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 19 at 2018 9:09 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 09:09:09 -0400

Your sources here sound quite questionable at best. Honestly, I don't think anyone commenting here is in any way knowledgeable or qualified enough to understand what was going on in this case. Everyone who keeps going on this subject does so with a serious lack of situational knowledge, and therefore you're just guessing. Stop trying to draw conclusions from conjecture and rumor, none of it has been verified. Honestly, I think most of you are just selectively cultivating half-truths to validate your own negative perceptions of Obama. It isn't the truth and it just fogs the situation up even more.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2018 10:41 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 22:41:34 -0400

The Five should have been Six with addition of Osamafuckingbama, and they all left the country.

Response by Cpl Ed Casala made Sep 29 at 2018 10:51 AM

Cpl Ed Casala — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 10:51:14 -0400

One thing that a lot of people missed is the CIA knows right where these guys are right now. How do I know this? I work with some very smart people in the Pharmaceutical field. I work with guys with triple and quadruple doctorate's in some very odd fields. One guy was telling me of a project he worked on that has a gps transponder the size of a rice grain that is implanted under the carotid artery. Guess what, it also has a small explosive charge in it that can be remotely triggered or if tampered with. He didn't tell me the power source, but said lets just say it half life is about 500 years. No, it won't blow his head off, but it will rupture the artery and he will bleed out and die in minutes. All you have to do is slip something in there food to make them pass out, administer a local, inject the tracker and release him back into Pakistan. The satellite tells the ground operatives where they are and boom, better intel all around. These guys worked on this project back in 04 fresh out of college. As the five were released many years after this was developed, it was probably refined down even better. While you discount the administration that brokered the deal, do not sell short how ruthless and cunning the CIA can be.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Sep 30 at 2018 9:27 PM

CPT Jeff Robinette — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 21:27:34 -0400

Very well stated Sir!
I was unaware of the possible Siddiqui trade.
Like yiubon cannot imagine any soldier laying his weapon down; loaded or unloaded, anywhere near a civilian or potential suspect during an interrogation.
That doesn't make sense.

Response by SPC Exa Stevens made Oct 3 at 2018 4:07 AM

SPC Exa Stevens — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:07:39 -0400

It still makes my stomach turn!

Response by SSG Paul Mulvany made Oct 15 at 2018 6:45 PM

SSG Paul Mulvany — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:45:07 -0400

It's been about 35 years since I went to basic training in Fort Benning, GA. The second thing I learned, after a proper push up, was our General Orders. Which went something like "I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved." Now if I can remember that after decades how does that shitbird forget only a couple of years after basic. He deserted in the face of the enemy. He should have been facing life or worse. It obvious there was political pressure to go easy on him. Obama screwed the pooch on this deal, like many others, and turned a photo-op into a disgrace.

Response by SPC George M Taylor made Oct 22 at 2018 12:55 PM

SPC George M Taylor — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 12:55:50 -0400

I have never figured out why we ever wanted bergdahl back in the first place. The worthless idiot wanted the Taliban, he should have been left there with them. If he ever came back, it should have been with a bullet in the head.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Oct 22 at 2018 5:01 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:01:40 -0400

I wonder how many U.S. Soldiers were killed in the process of the capturing on these five terrorists. Did President Obama even consider the cost of the trade in lives lost and lives lost after?

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Oct 22 at 2018 6:29 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:29:52 -0400

OK, so many errors in such a short post...

First, Bergdahl has every right to appeal his conviction--and to try and deny him that right is both un-American and a violation of one's oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Second, the "mother of three" that MAJ Granger speaks of? That lady is Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is currently serving an 86-year sentence in federal prison for the attempted murder of US service members, who also happened to be in possession of plans for a dirty bomb when arrested, and who is widely regarded as being capable of both creating and delivering a dirty bomb to a US site without detection. Yeah, Monty, that would have been so much better...

Third, I don't care how much you dislike Bergdahl, we don't leave American soldiers on the battlefield, whether they are alive or dead, free or captive, doing their duty or deserting. Period, full stop, end of story. If you want to know what this is all about, ask any Marine. They will explain it simply and forcefully, so that you can understand.

Fourth, whatever the thoughts of Monty about the trial, Siddiqui was convicted and sentenced to 86 years in prison. It withstood appeal and is a final conviction, and it was a conviction that could be obtained without exposing intelligence information to public view.

Fifth, until Bergdahl has exhausted his appeals, his conviction isn't final. What are you going to whine about if he wins his appeal?

Response by Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller made Oct 23 at 2018 11:33 AM

Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:33:49 -0400

He should have been shot by firing squad! PERIOD!

Response by Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller made Oct 23 at 2018 11:36 AM

Cpl Don "GUNNY" Miller — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 11:36:16 -0400

He should have been shot by firing squad! PERIOD!

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 28 at 2018 9:59 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 21:59:19 -0400

This deal and him make me sick!

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Nov 7 at 2018 11:22 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 23:22:35 -0500

This whole tale still stinks of appeasing our enemies. A weak sauce president and not one person in his cabinet said a word about the precedent the administration was setting. Cowards all!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2018 1:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 01:14:00 -0500

I have always known that Pakistani state is born terrorists. Our country wants their assistance and expects loyalty from a “wh***”. Excuse my language. Today the same country that gave safe heaven to OBL, is going with a begging bowl to China and Saudi. Also IMF is doubtful about giving them a financial bailout. President Trump and the Congress must initiate a motion to put them on terrorist sponsoring nation.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 26 at 2019 1:35 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 01:35:42 -0500

He wasn't worth any trade let alone the release of these terrorist !

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 11:09 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 23:09:46 -0500

The Bergdahl 5 for 1 deal was by far one of the worst deals that has ever been made. Five known Terrorist killers who were released from Guantanamo Bay to return to their terrorist ways...for what? A soldier who abandoned his post in a war zone... It was then and is now, something that gives our military men & women great pause (I'm being kind here) and angst!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2019 11:18 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:18:09 -0500

When this trade went down, I was totally disgusted... Five of the worst Terrorists captured and sent to Guantanamo...released back to their world, so that they could continue to kill/maim American forces!!! For what? a deserter who they tried to make out as a hero! What a let down for those real heros on and off the battlefield!!

Response by Maj Don Harmon made Mar 21 at 2019 4:19 PM

Maj Don Harmon — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 16:19:48 -0400

Do you see a parallel between this godawful Bergdahl trade and President Obama commuting the prison sentence of Chelsea Manning? She is the transsexual who, as an Army intell specialist, turned over a vast amount of TS-SCI intelligence to the enemy?

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Apr 13 at 2019 12:55 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 12:55:53 -0400

Being from his home state, Idaho. His parents live in the most Liberal area of the State yet they had to move because even the Libitards don't like them ... And don't get me started on McCain... LOL

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Apr 13 at 2019 2:46 PM

MSgt J D McKee — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 14:46:38 -0400

22 hour firefight, US Embassy, Kabul Sept 13 2011 I was site security supervisor, but it was my off-day so I ended up in charge of one of our residential compounds that day. So if the occupied building was the center post of a clock dial, the embassy was at about 0900 and I was at 0600 and 1143 meters away by laser. That was the Haqqani network, which is totally funded by the ISI. Wiki on it is just fucking wrong on several counts, it says the Afghans killed the scum, that is just a FUCKING lie. The Afghans were thrown back, repeatedly, and at least 3 times. An Afghan Hind shot at the building from very close range, and left trailing smoke, a US helicopter, much later and at the end of the event, (was niight, no NVGs at the time, no idea what kind of chopper but was big and firing from the side) did the same for a protracted period of time with something heavy, at least an M2 but maybe bigger, slow rate of fire like the M2.

We were told at the time the New Zealand special forces terminated the problem. I would guess at the same time as the US helicopter. What was strange to me because I never heard that particular thing happen, is that I could hear the bullet impacts from 1143 meters away by laser, above the firing and the helicopter noise.

Berghdal should have been executed for treason, but there is a lot of that going around nowadays.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Apr 13 at 2019 10:25 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 22:25:07 -0400

Where is Bergdahl now, and I wonder what rank he is or got out with?

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 14 at 2019 12:22 AM

SFC George Smith — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:22:49 -0400

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made May 25 at 2019 8:23 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Sat, 25 May 2019 20:23:29 -0400

Have comfort in knowing, he is known by many in the USA. He is and will remain a Taliban. Walk softly and be aware of your surroundings Bergdahl.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 5 at 2019 11:37 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 23:37:55 -0400

They should have left him to rot.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 2 at 2019 10:45 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 10:45:59 -0400

Yes

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 2 at 2019 1:36 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 13:36:47 -0400

I think unresolved issues still exist!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2019 1:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 13:05:35 -0400

We can only shake our heads and wonder what in God’s name President Obama was thinking when he approved this deal. This deal would not have been made without his approval.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jun 6 at 2020 3:47 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:47:49 -0400

As far as the five terrorist leaders how many of them have been recaptured or confirmed killed since their release by President Obama? A great deal of American money or cash was also part of the deal correct?

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 10 at 2021 2:48 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:48:59 -0500

They should have let him rot.