Army Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl began his formal questioning of former POW Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Wednesday at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, and that questioning is expected to continue into Thursday.
Dahl's grilling of Bergdahl is part of the Army's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the soldier's capture by the Taliban in 2009. According to the Associated Press:
The investigation's findings will help determine whether the 28-year-old is prosecuted for desertion or faces any other disciplinary action.
Bergdahl's defense attorney, Eugene Fidell, explained to NBC News that the questioning is as beneficial to his client as it is to investigators:
"I think it was important and useful for him to be able to tell his own story and not have it told for him by anyone else."
In an email to the Associated Press, Army spokeswoman Lt. Col. Alayne Conway reported that Bergdahl was advised of his rights under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, much like a civilian being read his Miranda Rights:
"This in an ongoing investigation; the investigating officer has 60 days from his appointment to conclude his investigation; however, he can request additional time if he feels it is necessary."
As Home Post previously reported, Bergdahl was discovered missing from his duty station in eastern Afghanistan on June 30, 2009. He was declared missing/captured three days later.