Living in a Third World country with no family and over 100-degree weather can make someone really lose their mind, but does this pardon inappropriate behavior?

There has been recent controversy over the 39-second clip circulating the Internet of four U.S. Marines standing over dead Afghan bodies, which appear to be Taliban fighters, as they urinate on them.

Unless you’ve been stung by a jellyfish, this action cannot be justified. Regardless of their political stance, they are human beings.

“The part of me that thinks like a civilian says, ‘It can’t be justified,’” said Michael Munoz, 26, servicing Marine from 2003 through 2007. He was an E-4 Corporal squad leader in the infantry based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., and was honorably discharged after completing three tours in Iraq.

“After time and exposure to horrible things, you start to view the world and your enemy in a different light,” he continued.

Even though the perception of right and wrong can change due to the pressure and stress of war, the soldiers are a direct representation of our country. They should have held themselves to a higher standard.

Remember the Abu Ghraib scandal in Baghdad? In 2004, images were released of prisoners piled up naked into human pyramids for the guards’ self-indulgence.

There was also the “Thrill Kill” squad in 2011, which murdered Afghan civilians, allegedly taking their body parts as trophies.

Munoz commented that civilians sometimes get caught in the crossfire of war, and people die when they shouldn’t. But hurting or killing unarmed civilians even in the fog of war is wrong.

He said their job entails them to fight the enemy and kill if necessary, but not to murder.

If officials and soldiers were disciplined for the Abu Ghraib scandal and the “Thrill Kill,” the case regarding the Marines who urinated on the Afghan bodies shouldn’t be treated any different.

As it is, people have animosity toward Americans and it’s this kind of behavior that makes us look bad.

There are laws the military are required to follow, which consist of protecting civilians, the wounded and prisoners. The fighters are defenseless, dead and obviously out of combat.

Yes, the Taliban are the enemy, they have done worse things than we have, but we shouldn’t lower ourselves to their level.
Even though the Taliban don’t play by the rules, U.S. military members do have standards to keep.

“Wasn’t the smartest decision on their behalf,” said Josh Rogers, 21, who is currently enlisted in the Marine Corps., on the squad’s decision in making a video. “Can’t hold it against them either, it’s a war.”

Munoz agrees that the soldiers shouldn’t be prosecuted, but there should be some disciplinary action taken. “They are fighting in a war, and war is hell,” Munoz said.

Understanding war is challenging beyond the description of words, but we all have to take responsibility for our actions. If not, who is responsible for this kind of abuse? How can this incident bring peace between the U.S. and Afghanistan? The soldiers who partook in this event need to be held accountable.

This behavior isn’t going to get anyone a medal, and stooping down to that level is uncalled for.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton does not pardon the offensive behavior, and the investigation is in progress.

Not condoning some of the military conduct, I am thankful and respect all of the past, present and future. It’s just an embarrassment that these are the type of people “protecting” us.