Summary: Four members of the Utah National Guard are in hot water over a video shot using weapons and military vehicles without permission from the proper channels.
Four members of the Utah National Guard are in a lot of trouble after a video featuring them firing high-powered guns and riding in tanks made its way around the internet, according to Fox News.
The four soldiers are also veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq.
All four face discipline for the unauthorized use and involvement of military vehicles in the video that promoted a behind the scenes look at the making of the “Hot Shots Calendar” for this year.
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The video was filmed at Camp Williams and a private gun range close to Salt Lake City, according to Guard Lt. Col. Steven Fairbourn.
“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.”
A 19th Special Forces non-commissioned officer who permitted the filming at Camp Williams back in May had his leadership position taken away and faces mandatory early retirement.
The three remaining soldiers are going to be issued lesser punishments that range from counseling to reprimand. The soldiers will also be forced to repay the military for the $200 in fuel used in the video.
Fairbourn said that the three soldiers who are seen in the video received permission from a senior officer who should not have given it.
The internal investigation into the matter concluded on Friday. It discovered that the unauthorized support from the Guard included five vehicles and one boat that were used as props. The Guard did not provide the ammunition or the weapons for the video.
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“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 National Guard issued a statement that said, “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.”
Department of Public Safety officials said that two members from a Utah state SWAT team who made cameos in the video will also face discipline.
The video was shot at Big Shot Ranch, which is 35 miles from Salt Lake City, according to employee Nikko Kelaidis. Big Shot Ranch is a private gun club.
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Image credit: Fox News