Bergdahl chooses to have trial heard by judge, not jury

Capt Gregory Prickett - Desertion during War is still a Capital offence in the military. Add in it should be Treason how much intel did he give them? How many Troops were ambushed, wounded and / or Killed trying to find him? Then we have Obama trading Gitmo terrorists to get this traitor back...

Had no idea why desertion was only worth 5 years. So are we engaging in the GWOT but it is not a "war". I have been completely confused by this distinction. Can you please explain the difference? All I know is he violated GO1, into the arms of the enemy from a combat OP. He now says after 5 years of captivity and reflection that he "wanted to bring attention to problems with his superiors". I can only assume there is still a chain of command. Many of my chain had "open door policies".
What did they do with the guys who deserted during Vietnam and stayed in Thailand and Australia after R&R? Was that a "formal war", and therefore different?
I appreciate your input here so I can put thinks in perspective, Sir.

Good. I rather see him get life than a quick trial and up the rope.But Lifers make GREAT examples. Maybe the next pansy to reside at 1400 Pennsylvania Ave. can garner a few more snowflake lefty votes by releasing him. He shouldn't even get the honor of a civil trial. The penalties for desertion may seem harsh but it is after all a VOLUNTEER army.
This man signed up of his own free will. He can spend the rest of his life regretting the decision. Any arguements about draft dodgers hold ZERO merit in this case.
Tough S***!

With all due respect, I would like to remind you of what a very wise SFC imparted upon my civilian tendencies when I was a relatively new soldier. " You do not have any constitutional rights! You took an oath to UPHOLD AND DEFEND The Constitution". Your rights are provided for by the UCMJ. DO YOU, have any further items you would like me to address?"
I did not, and I thank him for teaching me that early in my career. It made things very clear to me and then became a complete soldier without my civilian tendencies. Trust me when I say that lesson likely save me alot of grief in my 8 years and made me a much better soldier!

Capt Gregory Prickett - BTW Greg, he pleaded guilty. So no need for a trial. He knows what we know. He is guilty and has admitted it. He has less faith in himself than you do/did.

The honor of standing tall and accepting responsibility for your actions has nothing to do with any rights due you under the law. Personal accountability is about who you are as a person, not hiding behind a law when you know you are guilty. He has admitted that guilt now but tries to say it is because he couldn't get a fair trial. He isn't quite there yet. I am sure there is more legal wrangling to come.

There was not a plea bargain because he admitted his guilt by pleading guilty did he not?

There is a hearing for the sentencing Greg, he entered a guilty plea. Does that not admit guilt? The sentencing hearing is only to determine the punishment for the guilt he admitted. You are now trying to twist the facts to your agenda.

You backed this loser to the hilt and he was guilty the entire time and he knew it.

Cpl Jeff N. - I am endlessly annoyed by attorneys who talk like men with paper ones. All the same. All for civil rights and feel good in public. Sue your ass off and drag your name through the mud if you short them by a nickel.
I have never shorted an attorney but I have been shafted by same when it suited their purposes and agenda. It's the 99% of attorneys that make the other 1% look bad.
Trouble with the Russians and the Cubans is that their revolutions were led by attorneys therefore the old advice about shooting them all after the revolution wasn't taken.
Seems like justice in the United States still goes to the highest bidder.