Four Utah National Guard soldiers are being disciplined for their unauthorized involvement and use of military vehicles in a risque video featuring bikini-clad women firing high-powered weapons and riding in tanks.
Guard Lt. Col. Steven Fairbourn said Saturday that a 19th Special Forces non-commissioned officer who inappropriately allowed the video to be partially shot at Camp Williams in May has been relieved of his leadership position and faces a reprimand and mandatory early retirement.
The three other soldiers will receive lesser measures ranging from counseling to a reprimand, he said. The $200 cost for military fuel used during the shoot also will be recouped from the soldiers involved.
Risque: The models were at Camp Williams for a Hot Shots pinup calendar and behind-the-scenes video shoot
Pinups: The calendar features women wearing camouflage bikinis and other tight clothing while shooting guns and riding in military vehicles
In trouble: Four Utah National Guard soldiers are being disciplined for their unauthorized involvement and use of military vehicles in the making of the video
Fairbourn earlier said the three members took part in the video after getting permission from a senior official who shouldn't have given them the green light.
'We just have to learn from our mistakes and go forward, and that's how we're trying to approach this,' Fairbourn said. 'Corrective measures are in place to ensure this doesn't happen again.'
An internal investigation, completed Friday, found unauthorized Guard support was limited to five vehicles and one boat used as props for the shoot. The investigation confirmed the Guard did not provide the weapons or ammunition used for it.
The names of the four soldiers were not released.
Up for grabs: The Hot Shots calendar, partially shot at Camp Williams, is available for $14 and is expected to be delivered sometime this month
Mystery: The names of the four Utah National Guard soldiers who helped out the 'Hot Shots' production have not been released
'This was certainly a mistake, but one action among multiple years of service for these individuals,' Fairbourn said. 'We are dealing with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who have served their country in time of war.'
The Utah Guard, in a statement issued Saturday, said it regretted its involvement in the shoot and would not tolerate the unauthorized use of federal and state funds.
'However, this error in judgment of these few soldiers does not diminish the commitment and resolve of the Utah Guard and its more than 7,000 members to serve the citizens of Utah and our nation,' the statement read.
The video, produced by an England-based company, is a promotional 'behind the scenes' look at the making of an annual pinup calendar. It features women wearing camouflage bikinis and other tight clothing while shooting guns and riding in military vehicles.
Two members of a Utah state SWAT team who appeared in the video in uniform also face discipline, Department of Public Safety officials have said.
In trouble: Two members of a Utah state SWAT team who appeared in the video in uniform also face discipline, Department of Public Safety officials have said
Charity: Proceeds from the calendar go towards Help for Heroes, which works with various veterans charities
Apology: The Utah Guard, in a statement issued Saturday, said it regretted its involvement in the shoot and would not tolerate the unauthorized use of federal and state funds
Punishment: The $200 cost for military fuel used during the shoot also will be recouped from the four Utah National Guard soldiers involved
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