Behavioral Health is available in theater. He didn't need to wait to take leave to ask for help. In doing so he confused the issues and let other Soldiers down.

If you had cancer and sought medical treatment while in the military that is your right and part of the contract you signed when you enlist.

His condition is a medical one and was not addressed.

The military is guilty of breach of contract, not the soldier..

No I don't think he should be reprimanded. I think he should be given a general discharge instead of sending him back to a conflict we don't need to be in. I was in the Air force as an NCO and transferred to the US Army where I was treated like a total NUMBER to have killed off for bucking their pathetic officers that couldn't kind their ass with two hands and a flashlight, much like the morons running the nation at this time in our history. If he does go back now I can almost  guarantee he will come back in a box. Just like the officer that ordered the other soldiers into a no win sinerio and all were killed. After the investigation(joke), it was deemed that yes there were mistakes made and bad judgment was made by the ranking officer but essentially the father of one, a retired colonial, was told TOO BAD...@!$%# HAPPENS and soldiers die. No honor or brains in the upper officers. Just looking for promotions on the backs of dead soldiers.

I absolutely believe he should seek medical assistance and help for his PTSD. Despite not having any military experience whatsoever, I also believe that our soldiers are only human, like everyone else. If given the choice between being a, "good soldier," and taking care of my mental health and being there for my family, I know where I stand.

I know someone that was unknowingly caught up in the middle of a civilian/military drug ring and had a price put on his head. The military claimed to be able to protect him even though they couldn't stop the flow of drugs onto the base(bases). He went AWOL for approx 82days to save his life and received a Bad Conduct Discharge, 67 days in federal prison and had to pay the military more than $3000.00. I don't feel much sympathy towards the guy in the article since his life wasn't in danger from inside of the military. He simply ran away for selfish motives. It is a duty and being an infantryman his soul purpose and job is to sling a rifle and patrol. No jail and after extensive mental evaluation by non-military doctors, a decision of the type of discharge can be assessed. What I am saddened about is all of the guys who haven't made a spectacle on a national military holiday have been run through the ringer. I don't like the way he is playing the system. He is making a spectacle because; he knows how wrong he is and he is afraid to face the consequences. The fact that he came forth this way shows how he knows he is in the wrong. A public speech.......and media coverage to lessen what he knew was coming. I hope the military gives him much the same treatment my friend received.

Where is the voting option to take this guy out back and shoot him? Deserters don't deserve special treatment because the liberal media features a story about them.

After deep thinking and deliberation on this subject. Not any of the comments;really point out what type of soldier he is. Was he a trouble maker? Ask yourself this,would you want a Soldier that is really suffering w/PTSD next to you or even in-charge of the squad/platoon. You DO Bleed Red;right? Get him some help-asap! Let him out with a honorable,(he has already served a tour or two),and no jail time. He was man enough to know his wrong doings.

never being in the service i believe most comments dont qualify. having lost a brother in viet nam doesnt qualify either. i have seen many friends come back from war, alot needed help and didnt request it. i think the guy should get help,no dishonarable discharge and then be re deployed. and i aso think alot of people commenting have not a clue.

Congress should get out of the war and let the military put a end to it.

same as Viet Naum....war is money.....Every one should have to serve, either 2 years of good time or two years behind bars breaking rock for a living...

I'm a veteran, but I've never seen combat. There is no doubt in my mind that for those that have seen it, they are changed. Does he really have PTSD? I don't know, nor does anyone reading this. I know it's real, and I know it's the Army's responsibility to identify and assist those that are affected by it. I see three possible scenarios.

1. The Army failed to identify it. If this is the case, then the Army needs to rework it's procedures for assisting and identifying those in need. This soldier should face no punishment and get the help he needs.

2. The Army identified it and ignored it. In this case, I hold the Army responsible and demand that those who encouraged such behavior be punished. This soldier should face no punishment and get the help he needs.

3. The soldier is using PTSD as an excuse to not return to his unit. I was recalled to active duty after September 11 and I had to leave my wife and 6 year old daughter at home, and let me tell you it wasn’t easy emotionally. I have no doubt that this soldier felt the same emotions. But I went as ordered, as did all the other soldiers in his command. If he's using PTSD as an excuse, then he dishonors all those that serve and have left their families behind. I'm not sure I'd want him back in my command. He went AWOL, and he should face appropriate consequences.

I am a Combat Veteran of the OIF Campaign. While I was still in the service I followed the UCMJ and ROE's to the core. Never saw the need to violate them. They are there for a reason. I would like to make a few points with regard to this Soldier who is "using the media" in hopes of receiving a lessor sentence under the UCMJ for his actions.

First of all the only people with 100% of the story at their disposal is the soldier, his unit, the investigators assigned to his case and his personnel and medical records. Facts are facts. Lets try to remember that here.

2. As a member of the Department of Defense (regardless of the branch) you know, understand, and accept the direct consequences for your direct actions should you violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The higher in rank or pay-grade you are the more responsibility and the more severe the punishment for a breach of the U.C.M.J. Rightly so.

3. There is no excuse for being Absent Without Leave even for one minute. None- regardless of Pay-grade, billet assignment, or personal feelings. You are in your assigned place of duty at all times unless on Authorized Leave of Absence as directed by your command. Those who go AWOL deserve either NJP or CM with brig time and dishonorable discharge or an OTH.

4. By being Absent without Leave this soldier is in direct violation of the U.C.M.J. regardless of the time frame in question being one hour or 50 years; the fact remains that he has violated the U.C.M.J.

5. The reason I personally never went AWOL. I valued the trust my fellow servicemen placed in me. I had no desire to dishonor myself, my unit, or my Country by doing so. Unit integrity. Honor, Courage, Commitment.

As I said before I am a Combat Veteran of the OIF Campaign. I am also a Disabled Vet. While I understand how this Soldier feels, I hold no sympathy for his situation as he is solely responsible for his actions and likewise is responsible to accept the reward for those same actions.

V/r,

Doc J.

-Semper Fi.

The difference with this young soldier compared to other spineless AWOL soldiers is that he has actually gone out there and risked his life. I just recently got back from Afghanistan (2nd tour there and 1 in Iraq) and my family has noticed a change in me, so the stuff is real, folks. This soldier made a ENORMOUS mistake and since he has some pride, he will definitely regret this down the road.

My view is that he is brought back, given a field grade Article 15, and given medical help. After his treatment, it should be determined if he should be allowed to stay in the Army, but he should not be allowed to serve in combat arms ever again if he is retained. If discharge is decided, it should be an administrative one.

The soldier has served in combat and was nearly killed, it should count for something. He made a horrible decision, but so did his chain of command, so the Army should not throw the book at him.

A good point Bugkill, Good point indeed.

The soldier in question did make a mistake, however, He knew the consequences for his actions when he went AWOL. They haven't changed.

I remember the case of a young PfCwho went AWOL just as we were loading up the day of one of our deployments. Needless to say He is still serving time. Our entire unit suffered the loss of an individual and unexpected and needless hardship because we were undermanned due to one INDIVIDUAL Pfc's lack of integrity. That was back in 2006 mind you.

Serving in combat in an active Theater of Operations, almost getting killed: that is just another part of the job as any good Doc or Marine will tell you. There is no special reward needed or given.

The fact remains that he knowingly violated the U.C.M.J. and therefore is responsible for his actions. Mental Health condition or not. Special treatment is reserved for civilians not Military personnel. Bend the U.C.M.J. for one and then you must bend it for all; and that can not and will not happen anytime soon.

Yes the soldier made an enormous mistake and along with his enormous mistake comes a price tag that he will pay according to the U.C.M.J. and the discretion of his specific command.

As I have said before, If the service wanted us to be individuals and not a team we each would have been issued a box of tissues, a calling card, and an apple pie. Last time I checked there is no I in team nor an individual in a straight leg squad. By going AWOL the soldier in question failed himself, his unit, and his country. There is no grey line to retreat to nor a last point of advance here Brother.

Plenty of us came back from different Theaters of Operation with more than just physical conditions. But few went AWOL. That should tell you all you need to know.

I am not heartless, however, the law is the law and that is that. You learn this when you go through leadership Training. You also learn to know each and every individual in your Unit and to be there for them. There is Never an excuse for AWOL. None.

V/r,

Doc J.

I sat up for quite awhile last night pondering what I would decide if I was tasked with deliberating a decision on what is appropriate to dispense in the form of justice. The number one thing that kept sweeping through my mind is this, every one of us is simply nothing more than an arm chair quarterback. Not a single one of us was there and experienced what he went through nor do any of us have any idea of how motivated of a solider he was.

Can anyone of us judge something that (especially officers) have no clue what he went and is going through. A Jury of his peers would have to be comprised of non-commissioned officers that had gone AWOL. To let a jury of his peers listen to his complete explanation and from there decide what would be appropriate.

But; here is the sad part. He is going to be judged by a group of people that have never had to do the things he was tasked with, nor will they ever. He is going to be judged by a group of officers that have never met him and know nothing more than what is printed up on military documents by military personnel that have never met him, worked with him or ever have to accomplish things he did. He is going to be judged by people that go through the barracks giving inspections but; they themselves get maid service. He is going to be judged by people that are not his peers(nor do I think he would accept them as peers). He is not going to be judged by all of his actions prior to one moment of absolute mental distress.

After deliberating extensively and taking much time to think of every possible aspect and situation I now recant my original observation and say this. He deserves to be treated like a human being. Not a piece of meat sent to sling a rifle while high ranking officers will never know anything about him. They will never face the same demons nor will they ever know any of his hardships.

He deserves a jury of his true peers. He does not deserve to be treated as nothing more than a piece of paper. He deserves the Honor, Commitment and Courage that we were taught to respect. But; to often when we actually arrive see nothing more than a society set up to admonish people who sit around signing papers, getting dressed up going to the right parties and saying the right things. Rather than the illusion that they were sold when they VOLUNTEERED!

He deserves a true jury of his peers not a panel of selected pencil pushers. He deserves to be judged by them and them alone.

Though in the end when all is said and done by everyone including myself..... "ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE HIM". So no matter what men might throw at you kid. Stand tall and remember that your will, your faith, your determination, your soul, your pride cannot be taken away by pencil pushers who will never know you. Hold your shoulders back and chalk it up as just one tiny battle. You will be fighting enough other things for the rest of your life. Chin up and do not fret what they might say of you. Let those that love you, those that actually know your soul judge you. Because on your death bed it won't even be close to the important things going through your head. After almost dieing for your nation do not worry what the pencil pushers will say. Because it was you doing battle while they got maid service and buffet breakfast. It was you that had to watch your friends die and that small Iraqi girl die before your eyes. They cannot judge you. Now how they judge you in the end will determine how they are judged. Chin up! Stand strong and worry not about the world of men because it is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity.

Keith,

After reading your take on this matter I made up a pot of coffee, opened up my log books; then I started thinking about the cases I was aware of involving AWOL during my time in the service.

While I do agree in part with some of what you wrote in response. While (depending upon the ethics and dogma of the faith or societal politics you allow for) the aspect of G_d being brought into the matter is admirable; I must point out a few minor details.

1. To label those on the judicial review panel "Pencil pushers" is one way to put it; keep in mind those "pencil pushers" as you have coined the phrase are Active Duty personell who know their duty and will perform such duties as required. They do not deserve either your distain or disrespect.

2. The soldier in question deserving Honor, Courage, and Commitment; this is true to the fault. I would like to point out, however, that in going AWOL the soldier failed to live up to this time honored tradition of Ethics, failed himself, his family, his Unit, and his Country. Yes he does deserve justice. He will recieve such and the reward that is due his actions. He, however, did not respect this credo. This alone is self apparent in his actions.

3. I do agree that he does deserve a jury of his peers, however, please keep in mind one thing. This is going to happen. It may not be in the fashion you think it should happen, however, it will happen according to the requirements set down by the Department of Defense.

4. This soldier is not a "KID" he is a grown man and in service to the United States of America. He took an oath just like the rest of us Veterans to Uphold and preserve the Constitution of the United States of America. In doing so he also agreed to abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He failed to do so.

5. He will be treated like a human being. That has never been in question. He will also be treated accordingly as a member of the Department of Defense. He should be greatful he did not go AWOL in country. If he had; the way this case is being handled would be vastly different. Therefore it should come as no suprise to any veteran, or civillian that this individual soldier must be tried according to the laws which govern military personel. Do yourself a favor before touting the right wing liberal view and READ THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

The soldier in question who went AWOL was made aware of the the statutes regarding actions and behaviors of Military personel back in Basic Training. There is no mystery as to what will happen.

I applaud your feelings, however, one must put feelings aside in cases such as this. The consequences for going AWOL are and always have been (since the inception of the U.C.M.J.) black and white. The only grey area will be mitigating evidence and the final decision of his command. I do wish this Soldier the best of luck during this time. He will need it.

V/r,

Doc J

-Semper Fi

My personal feelings on this as former Active Duty Army is that he should be given a Field Grade Art 15. 45/45 and reduced pay grade, and also given the mental care he needs. Afterwords he should be sent on another rotation to make up the one he AWOL'd from. That would be the fairest treatment to all involved.

His mistake is that he didn't have a doctor do a proper writeup with a recommendation for duty. Instead he got frightened when his CDR tried to bully him into skipping the doctors review. When a medical officer writes a soldier is being unfit for duty it puts a flag on any actions, including deployments for that soldier until the doctor clears him for duty. And while a CDR can override that, it would be to the career death of that CDR should ~anything~ happen involving that soldiers medical situation. Bottom line is that if you have problems go see the doctors and listen to them. Ignore any BS coming from your PSG / 1SG / CSM / CDR. Anyone telling a soldier to skip medical assistance is only concerned for them own manpower numbers and isn't taking care of their soldiers.

Less than 30 days is UA not AWOL

Wow, Field grade 15? I disagree. Company punishment followed by some mental help. If he has ptsd give him a general. that is if he has served somewhere that he could get ptsd, anything less dishonorable.

That is a no brainer, I thought this was a voluntary army paid for by the tax payers, get the soldier some therapy, voluntary army not Communist China and Communist Korea, where there is no such thing as volunteers.

I served in the US Army while there was still a draft and was privileged to spent some time (3 years) in that now forgotten war, Vietnam. Most of those draftees I saw served more honorable than this joker. He volunteered to serve in the military, got paid good money (compared to what I used to receive), and then, when things got too tough, just took off. And then there are the idiots that will defend him. let us all get a towel out and cry for awhile for this poor soul. He was so abused. All officers are evil. I went through OCS, many of the officers I met were good men, used to be NCO's, served honorably and tried to do both their job and bring as many men back home as they could. Yes, there were some bad ones but to paint everyone with the same brush would be the same if I would say that I know of one psychiatrist that raped his patient, therefore all psychiatrists are rapists. Put this young man in the stockade, give him mental health treatment while there, and then give him a choice, a bad conduct discharge or going back to the war.