Army chief David Morrison has issued a stern warning to personnel after it was revealed that dozens of members were involved in the distribution of hundreds of explicit emails denigrating women.

Three soldiers have been suspended and the Director of Public Prosecutions is considering a brief of evidence against them from the New South Wales Police.

In a message to members of the army recorded on Wednesday and uploaded to YouTube, Chief of Army General David Morrison said there is "no place" in the army for members who "exploit and demean" their colleagues.

Key points: Army chief David Morrison has addressed defence personnel in a video uploaded to YouTube, telling sexist troops "to get out" and "find something else to do"

Army chief David Morrison has addressed defence personnel in a video uploaded to YouTube, telling sexist troops "to get out" and "find something else to do" General Morrison says there has been a systemic problem, and urged personnel to uphold defence force values

General Morrison says there has been a systemic problem, and urged personnel to uphold defence force values Fairfax Media is reporting that a ring of soldiers calling themselves the Jedi Council swapped footage of their sexual encounters online without the women's knowledge

Fairfax Media is reporting that a ring of soldiers calling themselves the Jedi Council swapped footage of their sexual encounters online without the women's knowledge In an interview this morning, General Morrison said that allegation is a "fair description" of what he had been told

"[The] conduct, if proven, has not only brought the army into disrepute, but has let down every one of you and all of those whose past service has won the respect of our nation," he said.

"Evidence collected to date has identified a group within our ranks who have allegedly produced highly inappropriate material demeaning women, and distributed it across the internet and Defence's email networks.

"If this is true, then the actions of these members are in direct contravention of every value the Australian Army stands for."

General Morrison says there has been a systemic problem, and urged personnel to uphold defence force values.

"I will be ruthless in ridding the army of people who cannot live up to its value, and I need everyone of you to support me in achieving this," he said.

"If we are a great national institution – if we care about the legacy left to us by those who have served before us, if we care about the legacy we leave to those who, in turn, will protect and secure Australia – then it is up to us to make a difference. If you're not up to it, find something else to do with your life. There is no place for you amongst this band of brothers and sisters."

He also issued a warning to army personnel who bullied or humiliated their colleagues.

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"Those who think that it is okay to behave in a way that demeans or exploits their colleagues have no place in this army," he said.

"If that does not suit you, then get out. The same goes for those who think that toughness is built on humiliating others.

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"If you become aware of any individual degrading another, then show moral courage and take a stand against it."

Fairfax Media is reporting that a ring of soldiers calling themselves the Jedi Council swapped footage of their sexual encounters online without the women's knowledge.

General Morrison says the allegation is a "fair description" of what he had been told.

"There are other offences to do with inappropriate use of defence computing systems and there are references in the many emails we have seen to possibly the use of illicit drugs and they are all matter for investigation," he said in an interview this morning.

The Defence investigation is continuing and is expected to last months.