It looks like the maximum punishment at Ft. Sam Houston Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl can receive for deserting his post in Afghanistan is 14 years in prison, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
That was the sentence demanded in closing arguments today by military prosecutors in Bergdahl;s sentencing trial at Ft. Bragg.
Bergdahl pled guilty to deserting his post in Afghanistan, and of the more serious charge of misbehavior before the enemy. That charge carries a maximum of life in prison, but Army prosecutor Maj. Justin Oshana asked for 14 years, saying the military court owes that to the two soldiers and a Navy SEAL who were gravely wounded while searching for Bergdahl.
Bergdahl's lawyers asked for no punishment, saying 'justice does not mean rescuing him from the Taliban, only to put him in a prison cell. They said Bergdahl should not be held criminally responsible for the decisions and actions of other people.
Observers say it is almost a certainty that Bergdahl will be given a dishonorable discharge.