Military Justice

[zippyt]

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has received his sentence after pleading guilty to charges stemming from his 2009 capture by the Taliban. While he is receiving no prison time, he has been given a dishonorable discharge.
At first, it may sound like he’s gotten off very lightly, given that he pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, and the fact that, according to the Washington Times, he endangered the fellow soldiers in his unit.
According to the Manual for Courts Martial, the death penalty is a potential punishment for both of those charges.
According to Lawyers.com, this discharge wipes out any and all military and veteran benefits for Bergdahl. That means no access to the GI Bill for further education, no VA home loans, no VA medical benefits. Bergdahl gets none of these benefits.

In addition, according to 18 USC 922(g), Bergdahl is now prohibited from owning any sort of firearm or ammunition. Even one pistol round could land him 10 years in the federal slammer (see 18 USC 924).
In addition, GettingHired.com notes that a dishonorable discharge is entered into law-enforcement databases. Furthermore, that site pointed out that Bergdahl will probably face “significant problems securing employment in civilian society.”

http://www.wearethemighty.com/news/t...s-for-Bergdahl

[BigV]

Originally Posted by zippyt

snip--
In addition, GettingHired.com notes that a dishonorable discharge is entered into law-enforcement databases. Furthermore, that site pointed out that Bergdahl will probably face “significant problems securing employment in civilian society.”

http://www.wearethemighty.com/news/t...s-for-Bergdahl

Not only for Bergdahl, but for all the other felons, why is this a good idea? I get the whole retribution angle. I don't agree with, but I recognize it. The likelihood of Bergdahl reoffending is minuscule, but what about the other felons, having been released from custody who face the same "significant problems securing employment"? Who benefits from this civic stance?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by BigV

...but what about the other felons, having been released from custody who face the same "significant problems securing employment"?

Easily remedied... death penalty.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Easily remedied... death penalty.

Death penalty for all felons.. ok sarcasm noted