The prisoner swap labelled a “spectacular achievement” by Taliban leaders for the release Bowe Bergdahl could land the US soldier back in jail for desertion.

The United States Army has charged Bergdahl with desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy, National Public Radio reports.

A hearing on April 22 will decide whether probable cause exists to begin court martial proceedings, the misbehaviour charge has a maximum penalty of life in prison.

• Soldier ‘tentative’ return to US
• US Gov defends prisoner swap with Taliban

Bergdahl was freed from the Haqqani Network under a swap deal which exchanged five Taliban commanders held at Guantanamo Bay for the soldier.

“Exchange of the detainees with America … is a spectacular achievement,” Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar said in July last year.

US President Barack Obama came under fire from Republicans, and some soldiers, over the trade.

Stories about Bergdahl’s abandonment of his post vary between desertion, becoming a prisoner during an attack, and defection.

On June 30, 2009 He was stationed in Southern Afghanistan on guard duty and had been there for two months. He spent five years in captivity before his release.