( CNN ) -- Faced with a sex scandal in his ranks , the chief of Australia 's army delivered a blunt message to his troops : Treat your female comrades properly or `` get out . '' Lt. Gen. David Morrison announced last week that three soldiers had been suspended and he was weighing action against five others implicated in the distribution of videos he called `` demeaning , explicit and profane . '' In a follow-up statement posted on the service 's YouTube page , Morrison told soldiers that female troops `` are vital to us maintaining our capability now and into the future . '' `` If that does not suit you , then get out , '' he said . `` You may find another employer where your attitude and behavior is acceptable , but I doubt it . The same goes for those who think that toughness is built on humiliating others . '' Australian women began serving in auxiliary units and as nurses in the early 20th century and were integrated into the armed services in noncombat units in the 1970s and '80s . They were allowed to join combat units in 2011 , and female troops `` have proven themselves worthy of the best traditions of the Australian army , '' Morrison said . `` No one has ever explained to me how the exploitation or degradation of others enhances capability or honors the traditions of the Australian army , '' he said in his message to the troops . `` I will be ruthless in ridding the army of people who can not live up to its values , and I need every one of you to support me in achieving this . '' Australian news outlets reported last week that at least 17 soldiers circulated video of themselves having sex with women . The videos were shared without the women 's knowledge . Some of the material was distributed over military computer networks , and those under investigation include a lieutenant colonel and a major , Morrison told reporters on Thursday . The distribution dates back to 2010 , and another 90 people `` may have been on the periphery '' of the group 's e-mail exchanges , he said . Military investigators and the New South Wales state police are conducting the probe , and Morrison said he had apologized to some of the women involved . Daughters and moms now consider rape before applying to military .
Lt. Gen. David Morrison says sex scandal hurts Australia 's army . Women are `` vital '' to the army , he says ; if you do n't like it , `` Get out '' Morrison says he 'll be `` ruthless '' in rooting out offenders .