The video footage is evidence of conduct unbecoming a member of the US Armed Forces under the UCMJ. It’s also a violation of a standing policy against filming/photographing the deceased.

Both are punishable under the UCMJ; 47 USC 933 (conduct unbecoming) 47 USC 934 (general offenses/catchall provision).

We’re supposed to be better than the Taliban. We’re supposed to be better than what the videos depict, which is why they’re so distressing and why anyone who’s seen them has generally responded as Sec. Def. Panetta or Sen. John McCain, or Afghan leader Hamid Karzai or the ISAF leaders.

No excuses.