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.
I appreciate you making the point on the seriousness of desertion. Yes, I did not characterize what appear to be his actions properly. However, while I can see from all I have read that he probably did desert, I just am not convinced that he is also a traitor. For instance, in this news article from a reporter in Pakistan, his seemingly agreeable behavior is revealed to be a way of gaining opportunity to escape.
U.S. Prisoner Bowe Bergdahl’s Failed Attempt to Escape From Taliban
P.S. Here is another story with additional information from the UK DAILY MAIL.