article_snippet: But Platoon won't face the death penalty if a military court martial finds Platoon guilty of 'Desertion with Intent to Shirk Important or Hazardous Duty.'
article_snippet: The level of that charge the Pentagon levied on him carries a maximum of just a 5 year prison term.
article_snippet: The other charge, however, 'Misbehavior Before the Enemy by Endangering the Safety of a Command, Unit or Place,' could send him to a military prison for life.
article_snippet: if Bob (right) had remained on active duty, and paid Bob (right) more than $200,000 in back wages .
article_snippet: E-1' – the lowest level of enlisted personnel – and forfeiture of all of his military pay.
article_snippet: important service can carry a death sentence but the military won't seek that option in the Bergdahl case .
article_snippet: MAXIMUM SENTENCE: 5 years in a military prison plus reduction in rank, dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay . '
article_snippet: MAXIMUM SENTENCE: life in a military prison plus reduction in rank, dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay .
article_snippet: Desertion itself can carry a death sentence, but only in the most serious of cases.
article_snippet: That penalty hasn't been levied on a U.S. servicemember since 1944.
article_snippet: The Pentagon has broad discretion and can charge soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen with desertion on a variety of different levels.
highlights_snippet: Misbehavior before the enemy' charge could result in life in prison but Pentagon chose a lower level of desertion that carries just 5 years .
  