General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: pardon bowe bergdahl. [View all]Antler
(26 posts)... I expect the truth will come out either way. I don't think it's there yet.
Even if you assume that no lives were lost...
It is still unacceptable to wander away from your military duties. The Idea that he has been punished enough is silly.
If a Joe runs off in the states to Mexico and runs into the Zetas, he is still on the hook for desertion / AWOL. The fact that it was in an active war zone makes it worse.
All of this is dependent on the desertion story being true. I would be much happier if it weren't.
If it is though the message has to be 100% clear.
Throwing down your rifle and taking off because you 'don't feel like it anymore' will result in significant and lasting penalties.
There are ways to get out through legal means.