25 years hard labor (with no possibility of parole), then he has his rank stripped away and given a dishonorable discharge (equivalent to a felony conviction). This guy isn't getting off easy. If Merida isn't 25 years old, he will be spending more of his life in hard labor than he spent outside of prison. He won't get out until he's over 40... and I don't know how many job skills you can pick up while doing hard labor.
Sure, he should fry (murder is murder). But don't understate his punishment.
He's getting off easier than the kid he killed.
What are they thinking, anyway, enlisting such young kids?