Prosecutors Say US Soldier Bergdahl Meant To Desert Afghan Post

Silvino S. Silvino, then the commander of Bergdahl’s Blackfoot Company. Bowe Bergdahl’s commanding officer said Thursday that his platoon was left “emotionally busted” by the physically and emotionally draining search for Bergdahl after he went missing from their post in Afghanistan six years ago.

In their cross-examination, the defense pointed out that Bergdahl’s platoon and company leaders were never told he had a history of mental health issues. Bowe Bergdahl, who faces military charges for leaving his post in Afghanistan, begins Thursday in which military prosecutors and his lawyers will make their cases for why he should or shouldn’t face trial.

“A myriad of emotions (were) crushing me inside”, Billings said.

“I would tell them we are doing what we are doing because he is our brother”, Silvino testified.

The prosecutors said the search for Bergdahl was a massive effort that took over 45 days in hard terrain.

“Once the Article 32 is completed, the report will be forwarded to [Commanding General of Army Forces Command Gen. Mark] Milley, who is the general court-martial convening authority”.

Bergdahl was held captive for five years before he was traded for five Taliban leaders being held by the U.S.at Guantanamo Bay. Many Republicans and some Democrats have criticized the deal, saying it was politically motivated and violated the USA policy on not negotiating with terrorists.

That will be the question Thursday as arguments are presented on whether a court-martial should be initiated over his disappearance from a base in Afghanistan.

Kane is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s in August at his offseason home outside Buffalo, New York, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because police have not revealed details of the case.

On cross examination, Billings said Bergdahl appeared to be completely normal the day before he disappeared, that he had been dedicated to the mission, and had an outstanding record of performance.

“Under the cover of darkness, he snuck off the post”, Major Margaret Kurz, a military prosecutor, said at the hearing in Texas.

The incident set off a series of events that included his five-year capture by the Taliban. He said he didn’t know the Army waived mental health requirements when Bergdahl enlisted.

The government’s initial declare in a case, Capt. Billings, pronounced he was dumbfounded by Sgt.

Some of Bergdahl’s former Army comrades also said they believed he deserted. Bergdahl is charged with misconduct before a enemy, that could lead to life in jail if convicted. He could also be dishonorably discharged, reduced in rank and have to forfeit all pay.

The Article 32 hearing – roughly the equivalent of a grand jury hearing in the civilian justice system – had been set to take place in July, but it was subsequently postponed until today.