Friday is the second day of court hearings for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl that could determine if he will face court-martial.
Bergdahl was held prisoner by the Taliban for five years after he walked away from his post in 2009. He was released when the Obama administration agreed to a prisoner swap in which five Taliban commanders were set free.
Bergdahl is now facing charges of desertion and endangering his unit. The commanders of Bergdahl's platoon, company, and battalion testified Thursday that his disappearance from his post put a strain on their forces and put his fellow soldiers in danger.
Capt. John Billings, who led Bergdahl's platoon, described the 45-day search for the Idaho native as grueling, saying soldiers got little food or sleep and endured temperatures in the high-90s.
Bergdahl's battalion commander, Col. Clinton Baker, said that although no soldiers died as part of the search, there was a spike in improvised explosive device attacks because soldiers were going to places they ordinarily wouldn't have gone.
He also said the search hurt partnerships with the Afghan government and Afghan forces.
Meanwhile, Bergdahl's attorney said his client was not trying to desert, but was trying to report disturbing activities in his unit.
If Bergdahl is convicted he could face up to life in a military prison. He could also be dishonorably discharged, reduced in rank, and made to forfeit all pay.
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