Roxanne Powell
Senior Content Editor
After his capture by insurgents in Afghanistan, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is returning to “regular duty.” This means he can be questioned about the events of his capture, something he may or may not be up for. Bowe has finished his mandatory counseling and therapy, and returned to work yesterday, July 14.
Released by the Taliban on May 31, Bowe traded places with five Taliban commanders who had been held at the US base at Guantanamo, Cuba. While it is uncertain how Bowe got captured in the first place, he has been accused in the past of walking away from his assigned posts. At this time, we only know that he went missing from his post back in 2009, then held by the Taliban for a total of five (5) years. With his return to duty, the Army will now have the ability to launch an investigation, which will be helmed by Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl.
Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for the Pentagon, refused to give any definite details on Bowe’s investigation. “Whenever Maj. Gen. Dahl is ready to speak with Sgt. Bergdahl he will do so.”
Although the Army had previously completed an investigation on Bowe’s disappearance, they had to rely on third-party sources, as Bowe was unable to comment. They have since released their own statement on the events:
“He will now return to regular duty within the command where he can contribute to the mission. The Army investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Bergdahl is still ongoing.”
Until the investigation can be completed, Bowe will return to Fort Sam Houston, where he will take up administrative duties. During his captivity, the Army promoted him, and his new job will be “commensurate” with his new status.
“He’ll have members of his unit working with him on a daily basis,” Col.Scott Bleichwehl, a spokesman for U.S. Army North, said, speaking to Bowe’s reintegration to regular Army life. “This is what we do for every new soldier that comes to the unit.”
Bowe will live in regular barracks alongside two other soldiers.
After the White House gave the go-ahead to trade Bowe for the Taliban commanders, many Republicans (and some Democrats) were concerned. Some believe there will be nothing to stop the commanders from returning to the battlefield and taking American lives.
But the Army is glad to have Bowe back with them. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, head of the Armed Services Committee, released letters from the Joint Chiefs that showed their support for Bowe’s “repatriation.”
“Each of these military leaders emphasized a simple principle — America does not leave its troops behind,” Levin stated. “The unanimous support of the Joint Chiefs for securing Sgt. Bergdahl’s release is a powerful statement on the importance of that commitment. I give great weight to their views, and I believe it’s important for the American people to hear them.”
Recent attempts to question Bowe have turned up nothing, as he has chosen not to discuss his case with the public.
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