U.S. Army soldier Cole Bridges has been sentenced to 14 years for attempting to provide support to ISIS, a move that has drawn national attention due to the unusual nature of a soldier aiding an adversarial group.

Cole Bridges, a 24-year-old from Stow, Ohio, faced a federal court in Manhattan after pleading guilty to charges related to terrorism in June 2023, and though he sought the maximum punishment of 40 years for his actions, as he expressed deep remorse during his hearing, he received a far shorter sentence, as Fox News reports.

Bridges joined the military in September 2019, serving in Fort Stewart, Georgia, with the Third Infantry Division as a cavalry scout. His journey into extremism began before his military tenure, as he explored jihadist propaganda online and publicly showed admiration for ISIS.

Communications with Undercover FBI Agent

Approximately a year into his service, Bridges encountered an undercover FBI agent disguised as a sympathizer of ISIS. This interaction revealed his dissatisfaction with the U.S. military and his intent to aid the extremist group.

During these conversations, Bridges provided military insights, including tactics from a U.S. Army training manual. He even laid out strategies for ISIS to fortify positions and set traps for U.S. forces, such as ambushing Special Forces and rigging structures with explosives.

In January 2021, Bridges sent a video of himself donning U.S. military attire while standing in front of an ISIS flag, overtly expressing his allegiance to ISIS. A subsequent video surfaced a week later, where Bridges vocalized support for an attack on U.S. soldiers.

Videos Displayed Support for ISIS

Judge Lewis J. Liman presided over the case, taking into account Bridges' remorse and the absence of direct ISIS connections in his sentencing decision.

While acknowledging Bridges' vulnerabilities and the relief he felt following his arrest, Judge Liman highlighted preventing others from similar actions.

Sabrina Shroff, Bridges' attorney, argued for a reduced sentence, citing his emotional struggles, including familial disconnection and depression, which may have made him susceptible to recruitment by undercover operatives. She advocated for a term equal to the nearly four years Bridges had already spent in confinement.

Judge Liman described Bridges as showing extreme remorse, stating that he was not substantially involved with criminal activities, yet criticized his readiness to assist in minimizing ISIS attack casualties.

Bridges Expresses Regret for Actions

During the hearings, Bridges stated, "Honestly, I do believe that I deserve the maximum sentence," acknowledging his actions' severity and burdening regret for life. Despite his requests, the court decided on a 14-year imprisonment term.

The decision sends a stern warning to other military personnel contemplating similar treasonous paths. Judge Liman stressed the significance of this case in dissuading such behavior within military ranks.

This case underscores the continuous threat of extremist ideologies infiltrating military environments. It presents a complex challenge for military and law enforcement agencies tasked with identifying and mitigating such risks.

Case Highlights Challenges of Military Extremism

The factors contributing to Bridges' radicalization provide a learning opportunity for institutions to bolster identification and intervention methods. By addressing isolation and mental health issues, similar situations may be prevented in the future.

In conclusion, Cole Bridges' case highlights the intersection of military service and extremist influence. The 14-year sentence reflects both his remorse and the potential damage of his actions, serving as a crucial deterrent against future military betrayals.

While his request for a harsher penalty was denied, this outcome seeks to balance justice with the acknowledgment of Bridges' personal challenges.

The story remains a poignant reminder of the vigilance needed to safeguard against breaches of trust in military ranks.