Former Soldiers in Bergdahl’s Company Reveal Possible Motive in Alleged Desertion

During a panel discussion Thursday at the University of Alaska Anchorage, veterans who once served with Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl revealed a possible motive for Bergdahl’s alleged decision to leave his post, according to Anchorage’s KTUU-TV.

Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban, and the multi-year search for him led to the deaths of follow soldiers, military officials have argued. He now faces a court-martial on charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy follow.

Bergdahl, originally from Idaho, was once based in Alaska.

Former Sgt. John Rice, who served with Bergdahl, discussed the controversial circumstances surrounding his release from captivity by the Taliban.

“Bergdahl had said he wanted to essentially, not join the Taliban, but he wanted to be similar to a reporter that’s embedded in the Taliban and he wanted to write a book about it,” Rice said during the panel.

Veterans who served with Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl discussed the controversial circumstances surrounding his release from captivity by the Taliban during a panel discussion on Thursday at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Image source: KTUU-TV

Asked what “justice” would look like for Bergdahl, the panelists expressed a desire for him to stand trial.

“The only thing I want is for him to stand trial and for him to be found guilty, dishonorably discharged, stripped of rank, stripped of rewards,” said Rice.

“The idea that he’s actually going to see trial in August of 2016, at this point I’m willing to call that a win,” Nick Tabaczka, who also served in the same Company as Bergdahl, said.