Bergdahl No Jail Time: Gets Dishonorable Discharge and Trump Still Remains Livid

SGT. Bowe Bergdahl Gets No Prison Sentence

The Trump Rant Continues Despite the Sentence

SGT Bowe Bergdahl not getting prison sentence, instead he will be demoted to Private, lose all pay and allowances, and receive a Dishonorable Discharge (DD) – Story update from Reuters story here in part:

FORT BRAGG, NC (Reuters) – Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was spared prison time for endangering fellow troops when he deserted his post in Afghanistan in 2009. The military judge (Army Colonel Jeffery Nance) ordered him to be dishonorably discharged from the service and demoted to Private.

Recollection: Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban and spent five years under brutal captivity by the insurgent group. He had faced up to life in prison after pleading guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

Bergdahl’s case made him a polarizing figure. He drew withering criticism from political leaders in Washington and fellow soldiers, both for the dangerous efforts to find him and again in 2014 when President Obama agreed to a Taliban prisoner swap that secured Bergdahl’s release. During his campaign for the presidency last year, Trump called Bergdahl “a no-good traitor who should have been executed.”

Note: Trump’s reaction as expected; he is livid and angry and well, just plain pissed off. Reflect back on what Trump said about Bergdahl captured on video here from ABC News – about 1:30 seconds:

Trump: Very presidential, right?

My Input and Impact of a Dishonorable Discharge (DD): First, I agree with the sentence – it is fair under the conditions, and I’m sure Bergdahl agrees.

FYI: A DD is comparable to having a Federal or State conviction on your record and thus these hardships lie ahead for the individual:

     1.  Finding Work: A DD could count as a strike with an increasing number of employers running routine background checks on job applicants. As with any criminal conviction, there’s little that can be done to hide or conceal a DD status. Employers might view a DD the same way they would a criminal record, making them hesitant to trust or hire the person. Employment prospects are even more limited if applying for federal employment, and one is not eligible for vocational rehabilitation to help them re-enter the civilian workforce.

2.  Economic Impact: A DD bars one from receiving any kind of government assistance, even if based on need. For example, no job and unable to get one, one can’t apply for aid to help sustain them out until they find employment. Not able to get a bank loan or home mortgage. Can’t qualify for financial aid such as government grants and loans, meaning one will have to pay for the full tuition for college. The consequences can also affect a family thus preventing children and widowed spouses from receiving any pension or government benefits. 

3.  Loss of Status and Rights: Person essentially loses all standing as a military veteran and that means no VA burial expenses or right to be buried in a national cemetery with military honors and a flag. One can’t wear a military uniform or any medals earned in recognition of distinguished service. No matter how dedicated or accomplished the person was, it is all erased as a result of the conduct that led to the DD.  In many cases, they also lose the right to vote and to possess firearms.

4.  Loss of Health Care: Current and former soldiers typically receive lifelong health care through the VA – a benefit that is forfeited as a result of the DD. One must pay for health insurance and all out-of-pocket medical-related expenses and they cannot receive any wartime disability services, even if suffered during time in the service and even for PTSD as a result of military service, you can’t receive treatment through the VA.

At least this tragic story is now over.

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