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Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Faces October Trial

A military judge set an October trial date for Bowe Bergdahl on charges he endangered his comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan in 2009.
Image: Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, before his capture by the Taliban in Afghanistan
Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl before his capture by the Taliban in Afghanistan. U.S. Army via AFP - Getty Images file

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A military judge says he has settled on an October trial date for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl on charges that he endangered his comrades by walking off his post in Afghanistan in 2009.

Army Col. Jeffery Nance says he intends to start jury selection Oct. 16 and begin the trial in earnest on Oct. 23. Both prosecutors and defense lawyers indicated that the date worked for them.

It's been nearly three years since Bergdahl was released from captivity and his case has had numerous delays over the exchange of classified information.

The military recently set up computers that allow defense lawyers to review sensitive material.

Bergdahl, of Hailey, Idaho, was held by the Taliban and its allies about five years. He is charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

The military investigation of Bergdahl began after he was freed May 31, 2014, in exchange for five Taliban prisoners.