A soldier who deserted his post and was captured by the Taliban will not face prison time. The judge in his court-martial at Ft. Bragg has ruled that Bowe Bergdahl won't be behind bars after pleading guilty to desertion and misconduct. He's been demoted and will get a dishonorable discharge. Bergdahl could have faced life in prison for the offense.
Bergdahl walked away from his post in Afghanistan in 2009. He was captured by the Taliban and held for five years until he was freed in exchange for the release of five Taliban members who were held at Guantanamo Bay. Soldiers who searched for Bergdahl said they endured dangerous conditions. Last year, the "Serial" podcast featured interviews with Bergdahl in which he claimed he walked away from his post to draw attention to problems with military leadership.
Former medic and platoon mate Josh Cornelison shares his thoughts.