Military deserter Bowe Bergdahl was released by the Taliban back in 2014 thanks to a horribly one-sided deal put together by Obama. Despite the fact that he deserted his post, the failure-in-chief still handed over dangerous terrorists in exchange for him.
Since coming home, Berdghal’s been in a world of legal trouble, as he was charged with desertion and the case was only recently wrapped up this month. Even though he plead guilty to that charge and misbehavior before the enemy, on November 3, a military judge ruled that he would not serve jail time, but would be dishonorably discharged and reduced in rank to private. The ruling has caused a lot of controversy, especially amongst those who risked their lives to search for him. But they’re about to have a lot more to be mad about after the latest reports indicate that he may be getting a fat paycheck.
As reported at the Army Times, as soon as Bergdhal was captured, he became eligible for extra pay that’s given to captive troops. Which means that his five years being held by the Taliban could result in hundreds of thousands in accumulated back pay.
“Based upon the results of trial, the Army is reviewing Sgt. Bergdahl’s pay and allowances,” Lt. Col. Randy Taylor told Army Times. “His final pay and allowances will be determined in accordance with DoD policy and Army regulation.”
Once Gen. Robert Abrams, the commander of Army Forces Command and the convening authority on Bergdhal’s case, signs off on the judge’s decision, the Army will begin determining what the deserter is owed.
“My understanding is there has to be an administrative determination of his duty status at each point, from the time he was captured until now,” an Army official said.
The Defense Department marked Bergdahl as “Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown” on June 30, 2009, Military.com reported in 2014. Three days later, he was switched to “Missing-Captured,” when a Taliban propaganda video showed him alive and in captivity.
The Army will be working with this official timeline to figure out what he’s owed. However, Bergdhal’s case is rather complicated since he plead guilty to desertion, which may mean a nullification of his prisoner of war status for his 5 years of captivity.
“In order to figure out what he’s owed, you’re basically going to have to start from that point of captivity,” the official said.
It looks like the process to figure this all out could be a long, drawn-out one. Not to mention potentially controversial no matter what decision is reached. The Army has a lot of work to do to sort this mess out.
Source: Army Times