US soldiers disciplined over bikini shoot

A National Guard officer in the US state of Utah has been stripped of command after he allowed a group of bikini clad models to shoot rifles and ride in tanks for a video.

Three other National Guard soldiers will also be disciplined for allowing the English models to use the Camp Williams training centre and its military equipment for a promotional "behind the scenes" look at the making of a pin-up calendar, the New York Daily News reports.

"Productions of this kind are not in keeping with the values of the Utah National Guard nor its members," the National Guard said in a statement.

Guard Lt Col. Steven Fairbourn said that a Special Forces non-commissioned officer who allowed the video to be shot also faces a reprimand and early retirement.

The other soldiers involved will receive punishments ranging from counselling to a reprimand and covering the $200 cost for fuel used during the shoot.

Two members of a Utah SWAT team who appeared in the video in uniform also face disciplinary action, Department of Public Safety officials said.