Now, they want Bowe Bergdahl to face a general court martial. The investigating officer had recommended a special court-martial instead. The level of punishment is higher at the general court-martial level. The “convening authority” (i.e., the general responsible for the investigation) overruled his investigating officer. The general appointed the investigating officer, so normally, the general would accept the recommendation. But, with so much publicity, this is not a normal case. I previously wrote about SGT Bergdahl here and here. See CNN News report.

I think this decision is unfortunate, but can see how some officers would see his situation as requiring something more serious. I think he was less than intelligent in his actions, but not deliberately avoiding his soldierly responsibilities. Now, it will be up to a military tribunal.