Prosecution, and court martial would mean testifying under oath. When this is likely to detail conditions that led to desertion, or practices outside accepted rules of engagement, testimony of an eye witness is not a favored option. The answer is one of the cheapest political solutions. Ruin their credibility.

+1
a public trial could make deserters into media darlings, mostly in this anti-war zeitgeist.

Who wants them anyway. Would you, as a military person, want such a one forced to cover your back!!??? Not me. They have proven themselves unworthy of trust and the fidelity needed during times of war.

That being said. If they *volunteered* and then violated their oath to the United States; prosecute them. No one forced them to volunteer. "Fair-weather friends are useless. And oaths need to mean something.