Iraq War Objector May Face Court-Martial
An Army hearing officer has recommended a court-martial for a soldier charged with desertion after he refused to deploy to Iraq.
In a Feb. 16 report just released, Lt. Col. Linda Taylor recommended that Sgt. Kevin Benderman face a general court-martial, the most serious type. The procedure requires approval from Ft. Stewart’s General Court-Martial Convening Authority.
Benderman, 40, an Army mechanic, refused to accompany his unit Jan. 7 for a second tour in Iraq, 10 days after he gave notice that he was seeking a discharge as a conscientious objector. He said he became opposed to war after serving in 2003. He is charged with desertion and missing movement.
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