Seventeen soldiers from an Ottawa military unit have faced disciplinary measures after their involvement in a private Facebook group where they shared explicit photos of themselves and made hateful comments targeting various groups.
Investigation Reveals Widespread Misconduct
The Canadian Army confirmed that seventeen members of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa have received counselling or warnings for their participation in the Blue Hackle Mafia Facebook group. The investigation began after the Ottawa Citizen provided screenshots to Canadian Army commander Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright in June.
Department of National Defence spokesperson Kened Sadiku stated that remedial measures have been initiated against all 17 members who demonstrated conduct deficiencies, with more actions potentially following as the review continues.
Shocking Content in Private Group
The private Facebook group, which has operated for approximately 14 years with around 200 participants, contained numerous disturbing posts. Soldiers shared photos of male personnel in uniform exposing their genitals, posing naked with Canadian Forces weapons, and simulating sexual acts with each other while wearing military attire.
Many of these photos were taken at military installations, raising serious concerns about professional conduct standards. The group also featured derogatory sexual comments about former prime minister Justin Trudeau and discussions about raping grandmothers.
Additional posts contained antisemitic, misogynistic, homophobic and racist content. In one particularly offensive example, military personnel organizing drinks at an Ottawa bar wrote: All welcome (except the Jews of course.
Ongoing Consequences and Training
The disciplinary measures taken against the soldiers include initial counselling, recorded warnings, and combinations of counselling with probation. While the Canadian Forces didn't provide specific breakdowns of individual punishments, they confirmed that remedial actions are continuing as the investigation progresses.
In response to the scandal, the unit conducted a session on public conduct and ethics that provided soldiers with structured opportunity for reflection and discussion. Sadiku confirmed that unit-wide training and additional remedial training for certain individuals has been and will be conducted.
The military police investigation into the Blue Hackle Mafia continues, indicating that further disciplinary actions or findings may be forthcoming. The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa reserve unit operates out of the Cartier Square Drill Hall on Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
