Bergdahl deserved more but the judge tried to achieve something of a balance a balance, considering the deserter’s captivity with the Taliban as serving time (albeit his own fault). And attached to the dishonorable discharge is a powerful stigma.
Have you served in the military? If you have, you must know military justice is not civilian justice. Discipline cannot be just an idea in the military. It is FOUNDATIONAL. Without it the will to fight, to protect, to win, is lost.
It is not about striking a gd balance in sentencing this deserter. The prosecutor did not ask for execution nor life in prison. Fourteen years was his recommendation. An entirely reasonable sacrifice given what this soldier has already cost our country.
He deserted his unit. During war, in the theatre
This "balance" will cost our military in fateful ways. It is devastating to morale and respect and trust.
I am dumbstruck by this sentence. And genuinely alarmed.