Military Times reports that a federal appeals court has restored Bowe Bergdahl’s 2017 court martial conviction, overturning a 2023 decision that vacated it. A three judge D.C. Circuit panel ruled that the civilian district court did not have jurisdiction to overturn the military judgment, saying collateral review of court martial convictions must remain within the military justice system. Bergdahl pleaded guilty in 2017 to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after walking away from his Afghanistan post in 2009 and being captured by the Taliban. The search for him resulted in severe injuries to other U.S. troops and the death of a military working dog. He was dishonorably discharged and ordered to forfeit $10,000 in pay, but received no prison sentence after presenting evidence of torture and abuse in captivity. The 2023 ruling had vacated the conviction after finding that the military judge had failed to disclose an application for an executive-branch immigration judge position, potentially creating a conflict of interest. Bergdahl’s attorneys also argued that Donald Trump’s public calls for Bergdahl to be severely punished, including a call for execution during the 2016 campaign, created improper command influence. The appeals court did not rule on either of those underlying issues. Bergdahl’s attorney says the case still raises serious questions about the integrity of the military justice system, and his legal team has 45 days to consider seeking reconsideration or Supreme Court review. Source:

Military action returned to the Persian Gulf Sunday as American forces attacked Iranian rocket launchers. "I can confirm that earlier today U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces ​were…

Military working dogs serve alongside U.S. forces throughout the Middle East performing a variety of critical missions. These four-legged fighters are trusted teammates in helping protect American service members from threats. 🐾🐾

Military journalist Natalie Oliverio, a Navy veteran, on the troubling conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which deployed to the Middle East at the start of the Iran war. “The fear around asking for help and the consequences that could come are enough to silence people.”