The Army has begun its investigation into the details of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s disappearance from his base and subsequent capture by the Taliban in 2009.
“The Army has appointed as the investigating officer Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, an Army officer with Afghanistan combat experience,” the service said Monday in a statement.
{mosads}The Obama administration released five senior Taliban commanders who were held in the Guantanamo Bay prison to secure the release of Bergdahl, who had been held captive for five years. He arrived in San Antonio on Friday.
The swap has drawn fierce criticism from lawmakers. some who served with Bergdahl say the 28-year-old sergeant deserted his post, which would be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Army emphasized in its statement that the probe of Bergdahl is fact-seeking in nature.
“These types of investigations are not uncommon and serve to establish the facts on the ground following an incident. The investigating officer will have access to previously gathered documentary evidence, including the 2009 investigation,” it said.
The Army said Bergdahl would not be interviewed until a medical team clears him for such interactions. There is no firm timeline for when the investigation will be completed.
“The Army’s top priority remains Sgt. Bergdahl’s health and reintegration. We ask that everyone respect the time and privacy necessary to accomplish the objectives of the last phase of reintegration,” it said.