In a feat of almost unimaginable hypocrisy, the military is going after Vietnam era deserters in an attempt to decrease the current desertion rate (there are now more than 8,000 deserters from the war in Iraq).
This guy, for example, spent 5 months in jail—four of them in solitary before being released without disciplinary charges. For more on this you can click here
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Carter's pardon applied only to draft dodgers. Both Ford's an Carter's programs recognized a difference between deserters and draft dodgers. Under both programs deserters were required to apply for the amnesty and be subjected to a case-by-case review.
Mr. Texiero/Conti (the name change being indicative on an intent to remain away permanently) was administratively separated from the Marine Corps, which is what usually what happens with Vietnam era unauthorized absences (UA)/deserters. Five months in custody and no Federal conviction isn't a bad deal for desertion.
My cynical side thinks the reasons for his departure had more to do with his "personal demons" and that his opposition to the war is a convenient post hoc rationalization.
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