Over-sentencing is where a military member who should have received six months for an infraction of military law, received six years instead. What is an appropriate punishment for a military member swings wildly.
We recall when Beau Bergdahl decided to leave his post and go help the enemy. How many military members were injured or lost their lives in an effort to find and “save” Sgt. Beau Bergdahl is still unclear.
But, what is clear is that contrary to what Susan Rice said, that he served his country with “honor and distinction,” others have been shot to death for doing much less. The bottom line is… the UCMJ simply does not work well, especially when national politics enter the picture.
On November 3, 2017, military judge Nance accepted Bergdahl’s guilty plea and sentenced him to be dishonorably discharged, reduced in rank, and fined $1,000 per month from his pay for ten months, with no prison time. The fine and reduction in rank were to take effect immediately, while the discharge was stayed pending automatic appeal.
The judge did not give his reasons for the sentence, which was later reviewed by General Abrams. As the final sentence included a punitive (dishonorable) discharge, it was reviewed by the United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals.
In June 2018, General Abrams approved Bergdahl’s sentence.
The Bergdahl conviction reveals just how easily military courts can be manipulated. Because of the support from President Obama and Susan Rice, Beau Bergdahl got lucky. Thousands of others received sentences that were very harsh and are serving long prison sentences right now.
MORE TO COME…