I have been reading a lot about Bowe Bergdahl and I think that there are sources, like Rosen, that reflect some of the platoon’s attitude, which is very negative; then there are others that reflect a broader understanding of Bowe prior to his enlistment as well as his struggles with how the Army attempted to implement the surge, that show a more complex situation. My feeling is that the truth is between these two sides and my guess also is that many former soldiers here on Free Republic would sympathize with his frustrations. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend Michael Hastings article in the ROLLING STONE. It is reputed to be the best investigative story prior to Bergdahl’s release and written in June 7, 2012.
AMERICA’S LAST PRISONER OF WAR by Michael Hastings
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/americas-last-prisoner-of-war-20120607
Just to say, my comments IN NO WAY are to be taken as supportive of Bowe’s very wrong decision to leave his unit.
Pvt. Bergdahl’s action was simply not just a “very wrong decision to leave his unit.” Rather, as shown by all the direct and circumstantial evidence thusfar developed, it was a deliberate decision to leave and never return, a desertion. Desertion in the face of the enemy is one of the most inexcusable military crimes because, as here, it immediately risks the lives of all of the other members of he deserter’s unit and the success of the mission itself. What’s worse, Bergdahl’s desertion caused a major search for him in which six other soldiers were killed by the Taliban and the operations of many other units were disrupted, causing even more casualties. Further, there is strong, credible evidence that, after deserting , innocent young “Bowe” sought out the Taliban and actively collaborated with them to improve their IED procedures and other tactics. Desertion is bad enough, treason is worse.