[jazusamo]

That’s if he gets any time at all, he’ll likely get a slap on the wrist with some kind of plea bargain.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Probably so Jaz, but I wouldn’t want to be him in private life, having to look over his shoulder every day. He will be lumped in with child molesters, and the like, by the average Joe.

[atomic_dog]

Desertion, as defined in the UCMJ, is almost impossible to prove at court martial. There have been guys who deserted in Korea who came home 30 years later and they couldn't get them on it. They key is the phrase "intent to remain away therefrom permanently" - in my day the rule of thumb was if he still had his id card he did not intend to desert.

Misbehavior before the enemy is similarly difficult to prove. My money says he cops a plea to Art. 86 — Absence without leave and Art. 92 - Failure to obey order or regulation as "lesser included offenses," gets some type of restriction, which will be waived, an Other Than Honorable discharge, forfeits the back pay and walks the same day.