Trials are called trials for good reason. It is difficult to understand the pressure if one had never been a defendant. It is unfortunate, but perhaps for the best. That said, I -hate- it when an innocent pleads out.
...At risk if he is incarcerated are his three little girls, who are otherwise without a resident parent...
It's sad he had to plead out, but he has his priorities in order, just as he did in Haditha.
The bureaucrats get their scapegoat, but not to the extent they wanted. While civilian control of the armed forces is a good idea, it also tends to impose "values" that are anthema to what the military does.