We’ll never really know, other than what Sgt. Bergdahl tells us, what was on his mind at the time, what made him go through with such a cowardly act. I believe that there has never been a soldier who performed guard duty who hasn’t been fearful and apprehensive at some point. But, walking away from his post, and leaving his fellow soldiers at risk probably never entered his mind. When the story broke all manner of emotions and reactions swept through the country. From hardliners who called for him to be shot to sympathetic others who said that he cracked under the pressure, and perhaps was temporarily insane, we all had an opinion.
But, it was left to the Commander-in-Chief, President Obama, to weigh in on Sgt. Berdahl’s fate. Initially, the President was criticized by many for what seemed to be a soft approach to what Sgt. Bergdahl did, that the President, who has no military experience, didn’t fully understand the gravity of Sgt. Bergdahl’s actions. But, hindsight is 20/20 and as we look back on the events as they unfolded, the President was right in proceeding soberly and methodically. After all, Sgt. Bergdahl is an American soldier who had been held in captivity, undernourished, disoriented, perhaps physically injured and was entitled to being restored, which would take some time. And, now that he’s had time to reunite with his family, adjust to his new-found freedom, and received the all important debriefing of his experiences he is ready to accept whatever punishment awaits him.
For openers Bergdahl is charged with desertion and any number of associated infractions the JAG have come up with. We’re hearing that he’ll be dishonorably discharged, stripped of all rank, made to forfeit any and all military pay he has received, spend at least five years in prison, and possibly life imprisonment. Because of his actions we’re witnessing the beginning of the ruination of a young man’s life. Once he has paid his debt to the military and society-at-large, one can only imagine what he’ll face as he moves on.
There will be mixed emotions and opinions about his cowardice and time, as usual, will dull the collective memory of the nation, much like most of us have forgotten about the My Lai Massacre of 1968 in South Vietnam. Recalling that a young Army Lt. named William Calley was made to be the “scapegoat” of a major military blunder which caused the death of 500 innocent villagers who were mistakenly thought to be North Vietnam Regulars and Viet Cong sympathizers. Lt. Calley was imprisoned for six years, dishonorably discharged, and was paroled in 1974.
War is an ugly business and unfortunately necessary, testing our human frailties and leaving bare our emotions. Bergdahl and Calley are but a couple of the casualties of war we’re familiar with, and hopefully, the wiser of our decision-makers will be more mindful of the tremendous transition from citizen to soldier and what can happen.
Jack Jackson is an Army veteran, EKU Distinguished Alumnus and motivational speaker.
About the Author