Bowe Bergdahl will face court-martial for desertion

By Charles Hoskinson, Charles Hoskinson

Published December 20, 2015

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl will stand trial by general court-martial for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy in connection with his actions that caused him to fall into the hands of the Taliban as a prisoner of war for five years, Army officials said Monday.

He could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Gen. Robert Abrams, commander of the Army's Forces Command, was tasked with reviewing the report of a hearing officer who said Bergdahl should only face a special court-martial, a proceeding with stricter limits on possible punishments. Abrams has the power under military law to make his own decision in the case and disregarded the recommendation and opted for a general court-martial. Officials did not give a reason for his decision.

Bergdahl was charged with the two offenses under military law in March, and a preliminary hearing in the case was held in September at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Forces Command spokesman Jim Hinnant said in a statement that Bergdahl would be arraigned at Fort Bragg, N.C., but a date has not yet been set.