A National Guardsman accused of trying to help terrorists did not enter a plea Friday at his arraignment in military court. Ryan G. Anderson, 26, also declined to say whether he wanted to be tried by a jury or a judge during his court-martial, which is set to begin Aug. 16. Anderson, a Muslim convert, is a member of the 81st Armor Brigade. He was arrested at his apartment in February and charged with five counts of trying to provide the al-Qaida terrorist network with information about U.S. troop strength, tactics, and methods for killing American soldiers. Anderson’s lawyer asked the government to pay for a psychologist to help him prepare his case. Judge Col. Debra Boudreau denied the request, saying the defense was free to pay for one on its own. Anderson could face life in prison if convicted. |