I read FReeper comments about the desertion theory yesterday. It was being speculated on FoxNews then. I have to agree that something just doesn't add up about the idea of him being lured out and then captured.
Prairie
These despicable hostage takers go for those who feel safest with locals. Nick Berg most likely went willingly with his captors. Paul Johnson considered himself part of Saudi life. The Korean, conversant in Arabic, was interested in religious matters. This corporal, also an Arabic speaker, may have had some community contacts, that seemed innocuous.
It is possible that he had a girlfriend, and when he did not return to base last week, he was marked down as awol, until the photos were aired.