Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl Returns to Regular Duty

Ex-Taliban Captive Still Focus of Probe Surrounding Disappearance From His Post.

Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is returning to regular duty, the U.S. Army said Monday, and has been assigned to a base in Texas following completion of a “reintegration process” after five years as a Taliban captive.

Sgt. Bergdahl will serve as a noncommissioned officer in the administrative headquarters of Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, where “he will essentially be doing a desk job,” said Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman.

Sgt. Bergdahl will live in noncommissioned officer quarters, said Army North spokesman Don Manuszewski. Typically, these facilities are occupied by two people, with two bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom. Mr. Manuszewski said the Army wasn’t releasing details on whether Sgt. Bergdahl had a roommate.

Sgt. Bergdahl is a “normal soldier now,” who isn’t restricted in any way, Col. Warren said, declining to discuss any counseling the 28-year-old might be receiving.

Military officials said Sgt. Bergdahl remains the focus of an Army investigation to determine why he disappeared from his post on June 30, 2009, while stationed in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Bergdahl hasn’t commented publicly on his disappearance or his recovery since returning to the U.S. on June 13. He was freed as part of a controversial swap for five Taliban detainees held by the U.S.

Sgt. Bergdahl hasn’t spoken to his family since he was released, the Army said. A spokesman for the Bergdahl family declined to comment.

The Army investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding Bowe’s disappearance and capture is ongoing,” Col. Warren said.

Unless he requests an extension, Gen. Dahl has 60 days, until Aug. 16, to complete the preliminary probe, an Army official said.

Sgt. Bergdahl has retained a private lawyer, although the military has been asked not to release the name of the attorney.

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