A military police investigation has recommended that charges be brought against three serving members of the Defence Forces in relation to footage showing two Irish soldiers "mock" aiming their weapons at a group of local people in Liberia.
The footage, which was available on the YouTube website last June but has since been taken down, appeared to show one of the men standing next to a vehicle while two others fired machine guns at a crowd in a nearby field.
Most of the group then take cover and the soldiers are seen laughing as they walk away. The section had been dubbed with the sound of fake machine-gun fire. It is thought all of those involved were aware it was a "prank".
However, a Defence Forces spokesman said the results of a military police investigation, completed earlier this month, had resulted in a recommendation that three soldiers be charged in relation to the matter.
All three are part of the 3rd Infantry Battalion stationed at Stephen's Barracks in Kilkenny. They are expected to appear before their commanding officer as part of a summary investigation within the next seven to 10 days.They have yet to be formally charged.
The spokesman confirmed that the personnel would be charged, under the Defence Act, with conduct which would prejudice the good order and discipline of the Defence Forces.
One of the soldiers is also being charged with uploading the images to the YouTube website, while the other two are being charged with pointing their loaded weapons at members of the public. One of these two is also to be charged with pointing a loaded weapon at a member of Defence Forces.
All three face a maximum fine of three days' pay as determined by pay levels for their current rank.
Under military law, they have a right during summary investigation to ask for a full court martial. The commanding officer within their unit, who will hear the charges, also has the option of remanding them for a full court martial.