Bergdahl Had Enlisted Originally in Coast Guard

WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials say Bowe Bergdahl, the Army sergeant recuperating from five years in Taliban captivity, enlisted in the Coast Guard in January 2006 but left after 26 days in basic training at Cape May, New Jersey. A Coast Guard spokesman, Capt. Richard A. Hahn, said Wednesday that Bergdahl received a, quote, "uncharacterized discharge" on Feb. 25, 2006. That is a form of discharge for recruits who have served fewer than 180 days. Hahn said he couldn't discuss details about Bergdahl's discharge, for privacy reasons. Coast Guard regulations say an "uncharacterized discharge" is for a recruit who has served fewer than 180 days "and demonstrated poor proficiency, conduct, aptitude or unsuitability for further service, exhibited minor pre-existing medical issues not of a disabling nature" which do not meet medical or physical standards.