The US Army is set to make a decision on whether disgraced former soldier Bowe Bergdahl is entitled to nearly $300,000 in compensation and other benefits he accumulated while in enemy captivity.
Bergdahl, 31, was held captive by the Taliban for five years after he deserted his base in Afghanistan in 2009.
Last week, a military judge handed down Bergdahl a dishonorable discharge and demotion from sergeant to private after pleading guilty to desertion in court.
An Army review of Bowe Bergdahl’s (pictured) compensation package is set to be handed down soon
Bergdahl, 31, was held captive by the Taliban for five years after his desertion in 2009 and was returned home in 2014
A request to the US Army concerning the expected date of the decision was not immediately provided.
Bergdahl’s disappearance led to several other soldiers being severely wounded as they searched for the missing soldier.
Soldiers held in captivity usually receive special compensation worth around $150,000, according to The Army Times.
Captive soldiers also earn other benefits from like hostile-fire pay in addition to their regular compensation that they continue to amass while in captivity.
Bergdahl’s conviction, however, has complicated the Army’s review on the matter and whether he’s entitled to compensation.
U.S. Army Private Bowe Bergdahl watches as one of his captors displays his identity tag (pictured: July 19, 2009)
‘My understanding is there has to be an administrative determination of his duty status at each point, from the time he was captured until now,’ one unidentified military official told the Army Times.
‘In order to figure out what he’s owed, you’re basically going to have to start from that point of captivity.’
The Department of Defense initially considered Bergdahl as ‘Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown,’ but changed it to ‘Missing-Captured’ days later after a Taliban propaganda video emerged showing him alive.
It’s also possible that Bergdahl may owe money to the Army if the review determines that he should not be compensated for his time in captivity and was overpaid since his return, according to the official.
‘Based upon the results of trial, the Army is reviewing Sgt. Bergdahl’s pay and allowances,’ Lt. Col. Randy Taylor told the Times. ‘His final pay and allowances will be determined in accordance with DoD policy and Army regulation.’
Surrendering Taliban militants stand with their weapons as they are presented to the media on November 4, 2010 in Herat, Afghanistan