GENERAL APPOINTED TO PROBE SGT. BERGDAHL'S CAPTURE

FROM:   U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Army Appoints General to Lead Probe Into Bergdahl’s Capture

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2014 – The Army has appointed a general officer with Afghanistan combat experience to lead its investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl from Combat Outpost Mest-Lalak in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on or about June 30, 2009.

In a statement released today, Army officials said Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl will lead the investigation.

The primary function of this investigation, as in any other investigation, officials said, is to ascertain facts and report them to the appointing authority, officials said in the statement.

“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,” officials added.

The statement emphasized that the Army's top priority remains 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,” the statement said.
No timeline has been established for the investigation, officials said, noting that he investigating officer will not interview Bergdahl until the reintegration team clears such interaction.

ST. BERGDAHL RETURNS TO U.S.

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Focus Remains on Bergdahl’s Health, Well-being, Spokesman Says

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2014 – Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, held captive by the Taliban for four years, has arrived at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to continue his reintegration process, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

Bergdahl’s captors released him in a May 31 prisoner exchange. He initially was treated at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and later at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

In a statement announcing Bergdahl’s arrival for further treatment at Brooke, Kirby said there is no timeline for the process.

“Our focus remains on his health and well-being,” he said, adding that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is confident that the Army will continue to ensure that Bergdahl receives the care, time and space he needs to complete his recovery and reintegration.

A proof-of-life video provided by Bergdahl’s captors raised concerns for the soldier’s health, accelerating the pace of negotiations that culminated in the prisoner exchange.

Speaking to reporters on background June 5, officials from the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency explained that when service members or Defense Department civilians are returned after being captured, separated from their unit or otherwise isolated, they enter a three-step reintegration program designed to assist them as they transition back to normal life.

The phases vary in length, depending on the needs of the returnee, and not all returnees will go through every phase, a Defense Department personnel recovery expert with JPRA said. Each phase ends with the recovered individual either being returned to duty or recommended for the next phase in the process, the official added.

In a statement released this morning, Army officials said that after Bergdahl's reintegration, the service will continue its comprehensive review into the circumstances of his disappearance and captivity.

FORMER POW ARMY SGT. BOWE BERGDAHL HOSPITALIZED IN GERMANY

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT  

Spokesman: Bergdahl Hospitalized in Germany for Dietary Issues

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2014 – The Defense Department’s immediate goal with Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is to take care of his medical needs, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.

Bergdahl was returned to U.S. military hands May 31 after being held captive nearly five years by the Taliban. He is being treated for nutritional needs at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he arrived yesterday, Warren told reporters.

“Sergeant Bergdahl is in stable condition and is receiving treatment for conditions that require hospitalization,” he said. “Part of that treatment process includes attention to dietary and nutritional needs after almost five years in captivity.”
Following his treatment at Landstuhl, Bergdahl will be transported stateside to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for continued care, Warren added.
The former prisoner of war is in a reintegration phase that “runs the complete spectrum of both physical and psychological [issues],” the colonel said, explaining that the phase comprises being returned to U.S. control, treatment at a regional medical facility and reintegration with his family and community. A key component of this reintegration is his family, Warren said, noting that Bergdahl has not yet spoken with family members.

The Defense Department also will determine through debriefings what conditions he lived in while he was in captivity, Warren said.

There have been several looks into the circumstances surrounding Bergdahl’s disappearance, Warren said, adding that DOD never confirmed that the sergeant was a deserter. A key component to the investigation is Bergdahl’s story, he said.
Five detainees were released from prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cubam in exchange for Bergdahl’s freedom, Warren said, adding that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel “determined that this transfer was in the best interest of the United States of America.”

Whether Bergdahl will return to his Army unit isn’t under consideration at this time, the colonel said.