Just read on another thread that they going for intent to avoid hazardous duty or to shirk important service, not the more serious Article 85 violation.
That’s a max of 5 years and a BCD.
He’s also charged with misbehavior before the enemy. That’s another pretty serious charge, but he’ll probably just get jail and a BCD.
Charges and Specification
CHARGE I: VIOLATION OF THE UCMJ, ARTICLE 85
SPECIFICATION: In that Sergeant Robert (Bowe) Bowdrie Bergdahl, United States Army, did, on or about 30 June 2009, with the intent to shirk important service and avoid hazardous duty, namely: combat operations in Afghanistan; and guard duty at Observation Post Mest, Paktika Province, Afghanistan; and combat patrol duties in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, quit his place of duty, to wit: Observation Post Mest, located in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and did remain so absent in desertion until on or about 31 May 2014.
CHARGE II: VIOLATION OF THE UCMJ, ARTICLE 99
SPECIFICATION: In that Sergeant Robert (Bowe) Bowdrie Bergdahl, United States Army, did, at or near Observation Post Mest, Paktika Province, Afghanistan, on or about 30 June 2009, before the enemy, endanger the safety of Observation Post Mest and Task Force Yukon, which it was his duty to defend, by intentional misconduct in that he left Observation Post Mest alone; and left without authority; and wrongfully caused search and recovery operations.
From
http://www.caaflog.com/2015/03/30/the-bergdahl-charges/
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What’s a BCD?