U.S. soldier arrested by North Korea

[SixToe]

I don’t care if he’s a private citizen or buck private or second coming of Pershing banging Patton while Eisenhower watches.

If he’s stupid enough to run into NK, let him be. That’s on him. If they treat him well or torture him to death, screw him. He knew what he was doing and, probably, the consequences. If he didn’t then he’s more of a moron than I already think he is.

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

Since he defected willingly, I imagine he'll be treated better than Otto Warmbier. I hope to God so.

 

[Driftwood]

Things of which I have no fear:
1. Dying in a mini sub implosion on my way to Titanic
2. Dying in a parachute accident
3. Being tortured because I went bee boppin into North Korea

 

[WriteThinking]

This is really an amazing story.

I agree with three_bags_full that we need to wait to hear the whole story, but, let's just say I'm genuinely anxious to hear it.

I mean, the soldier was in trouble in South Korea, being held in detention on assault charges. And he escaped, and thought he'd better off in North Korea?

 

[SixToe]

Maybe he saw a lonely NK toddler who needed help. Did authorities find a red wig in the DMZ?

/crossthreading/

 

[Slacker]

Maybe he saw a lonely NK toddler who needed help. Did authorities find a red wig in the DMZ?

/crossthreading/

Latest story at Fox News says he was running for some shade so he could play Immaculate Grid again.

 

[Shropshire Slasher]

If dude doesn't end up with his teeth rearranged, he'll be winning.

 

[Slacker]

I wonder what he's doing right at this moment, but I'm guessing he ain't getting that Steak & BJ Reward he was expecting.

 

[Starman]

The countdown clock is ticking fast toward Dennis Rodman's crazy-ass self-insertion into the story.

 

[Brooklyn Bridge]

 

[Big Circus]

Others on this thread certainly know more than me, but the fact that this guy hadn't made PFC after two years is a pretty damning statement on his soldiering abilities, correct?

 

[BTExpress]

Maybe not. Rumor has it he disobeyed an order and gave food to soldier who was on barracks restriction and only supposed to get water and vitamin supplements.

 

[Driftwood]

I made E2 out of bootcamp, so 8 weeks, and hit E4 in about 14 months.

 

[SixToe]

How does NBC use a headline with “… straying over border” when eyewitness said he ran through the building to NK? Straying implies an accidental situation, usually. SMH

 

[Songbird]

Does he have to face those dogs that ate Kim Dong's brother?

 

[User 1019]

Others on this thread certainly know more than me, but the fact that this guy hadn't made PFC after two years is a pretty damning statement on his soldiering abilities, correct?

Unless a Soldier is flagged for some sort of issue such as a failed fitness test, weight control program, discipline issue, etc., promotion timelines are six months between each of the private ranks.

He just got out of prison, so I’d assume he was reduced at some point.

 

[MisterCreosote]

My brother-in-law was in for 22 years and retired as an E5.

 

[Regan MacNeil]

Father was a Marine for 20+. Retired as an E7.

 

[User 1019]

My brother-in-law was in for 22 years and retired as an E5.

 

[User 1019]

Father was a Marine for 20+. Retired as an E7.

That’s somewhat common in the Army. Most make E8, though.