Probe launched over dancing troops

YES sir, they can boogie.

But even though they’re mean and green some generals don’t like the dance routine. Irish soldiers found themselves, er, centre stage last night after an embarrassing video was released showing armed troops dancing with guns while on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon.

The four-minute video opens with the theme tune to the film Lord of the Rings while viewers are told in script onscreen:

“In a war-torn country, thousands of miles from home... a platoon formed from all around Munster...”

Amid pictures of dilapidated buildings in the war-torn country, the camera then changes to a view of three Irish soldiers dismounting from a Mowag Piranha armoured personnel carrier.

But leaving aside Amhrán na bhFiann, the disco dancing troops begin strutting to the rhythm of the Bee Gees song, Stayin Alive, while carrying and pointing their guns.

Scenes go on to show troops singing, shaving and showering to the famed Saturday Night Fever soundtrack.

The lighthearted video also shows troops marching in rhythm around camp to the popular 1970s tune as well as training.

The arid landscape of Lebanon is visible in the background while identifiable armed soldiers also mouth the words of the song to camera.

It is believed the video was filmed while troops were stationed in south Lebanon last year.

The footage has already attracted hundreds of views on websites since it was posted in recent weeks.

However, army bosses are not be pleased and a spokesman for the Defence Forces last night said an investigation was under way.

“It is not encouraged and frowned upon. Members are not allowed put information into the public domain. Communication with the public is restricted.”

The spokesman added that the use of guns by the Irish troops in the video would form part of the investigation.

Defence Force sources played down the online disco spoof.

“They had some down-time and it seems harmless what they did,” said a source.

An investigation was launched last June after video footage was uploaded online which appeared to show Irish peacekeeping soldiers pointing their weapons at locals in Liberia and pretending to fire.