General says Bergdahl doesn’t deserve jail

[branford]

19. Given Bergdahl's apparently serious and long-term medical conditions,

I imagine his lawyer will fight zealously for him to keep his medical and other veteran's benefit under any plea deal.

However, given the publicity of the case, extensive evidence, need for deterrence, and the potential penalties if convicted of desertion, no less the more serious "misbehavior before the enemy" charge, I cannot imagine any deal that will be palatable to the Army or public that wouldn't include an "other than honorable" discharge, and accompanying loss of benefits, along with forfeiture of rank and pay. If a deal was possible with a general discharge, it likely would have happened already.

I believe a general discharge under circumstances of desertion, along with the extensive and costly search, is not realistic unless the Army's evidence is far less extensive than portrayed in the media. Agreeing to apply Bergdahl's time in captivity towards any period of incarceration, however, seems both perfectly reasonable and politically acceptable.