WASHINGTON, June 17, 2014 – The Army has appointed a general officer with Afghanistan combat experience to lead its investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl from Combat Outpost Mest-Lalak in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on or about June 30, 2009.
In a statement released today, Army officials said Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl will lead the investigation.
The primary function of this investigation, as in any other investigation, officials said, is to ascertain facts and report them to the appointing authority, officials said in the statement.
“These types of investigations are not uncommon and serve to establish the facts on the ground following an incident. The investigating officer will have access to previously gathered documentary evidence, including the 2009 investigation,” officials added.
The statement emphasized that the Army’s top priority remains Bergdahl’s health and reintegration. “We ask that everyone respect the time and privacy necessary to accomplish the objectives of the last phase of reintegration,” the statement said.
No timeline has been established for the investigation, officials said, noting that he investigating officer will not interview Bergdahl until the reintegration team clears such interaction.