Their original reason for the stop was because they couldn't see his temporary tag. Once they were in the well lit area, they could. So what was the reason for continuing with the whole "guns drawn, get out of the car" schtick? They could see that he was an army officer, why didn't they just apologize and let him go on his way?
Eh? I guess an officer on post has never been in the wrong, whether a moving violation or otherwise? Pulled over by the MP’s? Broke a traffic law (or worse) in a host country? If only the ranks could be so pure. Served in the officer corp? Been there. More/less same cross-section of human behavior you’ll find anywhere. Some loftier ideals, fortunately; but same human failings.
Add: And the 1Lt “running” the medical platoon admin while deployed with them would give the video’s protagonist (?) a run for his money when it comes to lack of sense.
You're missing the point. Their probable cause for pulling him over was a not visible license plate. Once he was pulled over in a lighted area, they could see the temporary tag in the window. Therefore, they just lost their probable cause. They should have explained their mistake and wished him a good night.
