OTTAWA -- Canadian Forces brass and rank-and-file were reeling from the shock of a high-ranking officer charged with multiple counts of murder and rape, but experts doubt it will be a black mark for the military.

The Forces moved swiftly to replace Col. Russ Williams as top commander at CFB Trenton and is considering other sanctions against the senior soldier charged with murder, home invasion and sexual assault. Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, said a review by 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg will mull "the most appropriate action," noting members are held to a "very high standard of conduct and performance" whether in Canada or abroad, and whether on or off duty.

Military legal expert and retired colonel Michel Drapeau said murder is among a small handful of offences that must be tried in civilian court instead of military tribunal. While Williams could retain his rank pending the outcome of proceedings, Drapeau said National Defence could force his compulsory release based on the severity of the charges.

"I don't remember in my lifetime someone of that rank charged with something so serious," he said. "There are a whole range of actions that DND will have to take. Right now he is still a member of the armed forces, still innocent until proven guilty."

Retired major general Lewis Mackenzie called the case "totally unique" because of the rank of the accused and gravity of offence. But he doubts it will tarnish the reputation of the military.

"It will garner more attention because of the rank, but I don't think the Canadian public will make a decision based on an act that hasn't been confirmed yet and involves only one individual," he said.

Deschamps said the Forces is supporting civilian investigators and expressed condolences to victims, their families and members of the Forces.