Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the US soldier who was held in captivity for five years, has been charged with desertion and misbehaving before the enemy, Army officials said Wednesday.
The 28-year-old who slipped away from his patrol base in Afghanistan in 2009 will face a life sentence if convicted.
U.S. troops and veterans have long expressed frustration about Bergdahl’s disappearance, accusing him of deserting his unit on the battlefield and prompting a search that put lives in danger.
Bowe disappeared from Combat Outpost Mest-Lalak in Paktika Province in eastern Afghanistan on June 30, 2009, leaving behind his weapon, ammunition and body armor.
He was captured near the outskirts of the village by Taliban fighters and has been detained in Afghanistan as a prisoner of war.
Bowe was released from Taliban custody in May 20014 in a controversial prisoner exchange for five Taliban members who were being held at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.
