This undated image provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. | |
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 22, 2014
WASHINGTON — The investigation into the 2009 disappearance of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in Afghanistan is one step closer to resolution. The Army announced Monday it had forwarded the results of its investigation to the four-star general who will decide whether Bergdahl’s actions deserve prosecution, non-judicial punishment or no penalties at all.
Bergdahl, 28, was held prisoner by the Taliban for almost five years before being released in May in a prisoner swap deal that resulted in the freedom of five senior Taliban commanders.
“After a thorough investigation and a comprehensive legal review, the investigation concerning Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been forwarded to a General Courts Martial Convening Authority, Gen. Mark Milley, commanding general of Forces Command,” according to a written Army statement. “Gen. Milley will determine appropriate action -- which ranges from no further action to convening a court-martial.”
The Army did not announce a timeline for Milley’s decision, saying in the statement that officials can’t talk about or disclose report findings while disciplinary decisions are pending.
Pentagon press secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said last week that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel had been briefed on the investigation but won’t weigh in on whether Bergdahl should be punished.
Since Bergdahl’s disappearance from a remote outpost in the Paktika province of eastern Afghanistan, controversy has swirled over whether he deserted his post – a charge that could theoretically bring the death penalty – or if capture by the Taliban prevented him from returning to base. Other punishment options include imprisonment and loss of rank and pay.
Should Milley choose not to bring charges, Bergdahl could collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay and POW benefits.
carroll.chris@stripes.com
Twitter: @ChrisCarroll_
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