If you don’t live under a rock and follow “hot topics” in the news then you will know who Bowe Bergdahl is and the fact that somehow even though he deserted his post, he slipped life in prison. I get he pled guilty, pleaded his sorrows, blah blah blah. Let me remind you that SIX soldiers died on missions specifically for finding him. Not to mention a SEALs career was ended, a K9 lost his life, a man will be forever paralyzed and never speaker, another had to relearn how to brush his teeth after an RPG shattered his hand. Oh yeah, 5 GTMO detainees were released in a trade for him.
An “Unfair” Trial
Facing an “unfair” trial after President Trump said Bergdahl “should be shot” his lawyers argued all charges should be dismissed. They even said that it violated his rights to due process and that Americans should all be offended. Then Bowe decided that he would not stand in front of a jury but instead a military judge. Then in an ABC exclusive, he came out and said he didn’t feel he’d receive a fair trial because of the president’s comments. Unfair my behind. Is no jail time, a dishonorable discharge and a $1000 pay cut over 10 months unfair and demotion to the rank of fuzzy? (PV1 for those unfamiliar with the term)
POW Medal
There are soldiers who were convicted of lesser crimes that received worse punishment. To top it all off Bergdhal’s lawyers believes he should receive the POW medal and they are appealing his dishonorable discharge. How about we trade then — serve the 14 years the prosecution asked for and then you will have received a General Under Honorable Conditions, how does that sound?
The POW Medal is “awarded” to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing Armed Force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.” If going of literal terms, he was not engaged in an action against them. He left his post and was on his own, not a mission with his unit, not assisting the ANA, nothing that meets the literal definition. Loosely looking at it he was technically engaged in an action against the enemy by being in a country with the Army.
Final Remarks
Take it or leave it the charges should stand and should have been worse. Tortured or not his captivity was a direct result of his own actions. Even if he claims he was trying to make it to a bigger base to report a chain of command issue.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of US Patriot Tactical.
