Originally Posted by
xoleras
I served in the military, and let's make something clear: civilian laws and military laws are far different. As a military member you CANNOT do whatever the hell you want, there are standards of behaviour that applies even when you're out of uniform (and on active duty) -- The SEAL members that shared classified info violated the UCMJ and if you violate the UCMJ (uniform code of military justice), you WILL pay the price.
I don't believe civvies will ever understand this. You can't break the rules in the military unless you want to see the man and lose rank / money. Losing rank when you're well into your career will break your ability to retire or even stay in. You can vilify the brass all you want --
but the SEAL members violated the UCMJ period. The UCMJ is black and white and has existed for a long time - you cannot ever, under any circumstance, share classified information.
This isn't the civilian world where you can BS your way out of breaking the rules. You break the rules and get caught while under military contract, you will get NJP'ed or court martialed for a serious offense. If any of these happen to you, it can destroy your life if severe enough, so obviously military members usually try to avoid being in the wrong -- military justice is harsh. Don't like it? They shouldn't have joined - they knew they were in the wrong by sharing this info, I am certain of this. All military members have a good understanding of what they can and cannot do, there are not many shades of gray here.