Punishment is authorized under Article 15 (which I think is what you meant - Art 31 is the “Miranda” part of the UCMJ), including forfeiture of a certain amount of pay and loss of stripes. That’s a punishment. Bergdahl hasn’t yet undergone a proceeding at which punishment is authorized. When he does, assuming a conviction, he’ll lose pay and allowances. I suppose there’s some remote possibility of a recoupment action after conviction for desertion, but I haven’t seen it in my 29 years and change active and reserve. 11 more months, maybe it’ll come to pass.
So you're saying we just gave this guy $300,000 and if he's charged and found guilty, the taxpayers never get that money back? If he was a deserter and spent five years in collusion with our enemy, that rewards him for traitorous behavior. That part of the code needs to be changed. That's absolutely wrong.
Thanks for your service to our country.