Seems the Major General commanding US Forces Commanding is ignoring pressure from higher headquarters and going ahead with the process to try the traitor for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, accused of abandoning his post before he was captured.
There still needs to be an arraignment hearing at Fort Bragg, NC has not yet been set.
Just what does this mean?
Well, the arraignment is basically like one in a civilian court. He and his defense attorney will appear before a military judge (usually a full Colonel) to plead guilty or not guilty. The judge will then either bind him over for trial without bail meaning he goes into a stockade or he will be allowed to be under House Arrest pending trial.
The arraignment will also determine what level of courts-martial he will receive. There are three types, Summary with a non-legal officer deciding the case, a Special, with an Judge Advocate General officer presiding, or a General Courts-Martial with a senior judge and a panel of "his peers" - in his case probably a Sergeant Major and at least of couple of noncoms of his rank.
His defense attorney may try to plea bargain, but it appears those efforts have failed.
In my experience, this case has gained so much public attention and
Congressional pressure I feel certain it will go to a General Courts-Martial. If a deal is made, it will certainly include a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge with loss and rank and all pay - and maybe even extended jail time.
My sincere hope is he ends up in the general population at Leavenworth.
An ex-Army Personnel Sergeant
There still needs to be an arraignment hearing at Fort Bragg, NC has not yet been set.
Just what does this mean?
Well, the arraignment is basically like one in a civilian court. He and his defense attorney will appear before a military judge (usually a full Colonel) to plead guilty or not guilty. The judge will then either bind him over for trial without bail meaning he goes into a stockade or he will be allowed to be under House Arrest pending trial.
The arraignment will also determine what level of courts-martial he will receive. There are three types, Summary with a non-legal officer deciding the case, a Special, with an Judge Advocate General officer presiding, or a General Courts-Martial with a senior judge and a panel of "his peers" - in his case probably a Sergeant Major and at least of couple of noncoms of his rank.
His defense attorney may try to plea bargain, but it appears those efforts have failed.
In my experience, this case has gained so much public attention and
Congressional pressure I feel certain it will go to a General Courts-Martial. If a deal is made, it will certainly include a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge with loss and rank and all pay - and maybe even extended jail time.
My sincere hope is he ends up in the general population at Leavenworth.
An ex-Army Personnel Sergeant