The fact that these two gentlemen aren't on the receiving end of Courts Martial or Article 15 proceeding shows that they got off lightly. Most servicemembers guilty of dereliction of duty, which this clearly was even though they were helping people, would be in the kennel instead of watching one. It is usually easier to ask for forgiveness than permission (that is one of my mottos), but these LT's may have jeopardized other lives by NOT following orders given to them by their commanders, who undoubtedly have more information of their missions and objectives.
Sorry. Whatever this is, it is not dereliction of duty.