Conservative backlash ensues over low-key release of DOD extremism report
TOP STORY:
When Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered an independent investigation into the extent of extremist views in the military in February of 2021, he said that based on his personal experience, he believed “99.9%” of the troops embraced the values of their oaths of service but that while the number of extremists in the ranks is small, they can “have an outsized impact.”
“When I was a lieutenant colonel,” Austin said, referring to his time at the 82nd Airborne Division in the 1990s, “we couldn’t tell that story of what we were doing and how great we were because nobody wanted to hear it. They wanted to hear about the skinheads. And so that had an outsized impact.”
Last month, more than a year and a half after it was completed, with little fanfare the Pentagon made public the results of the investigation into extremism in the ranks over the Christmas holiday, but only after requests by USA Today.
The June 2022 report by the Institute for Defense Analyses pretty much tracked with Austin’s gut feelings, finding “no evidence that the number of violent extremists in the military is disproportionate to the number of violent extremists in the United States as a whole” while noting that “there is some indication that the rate of participation by former service members is slightly higher and may be growing.”
“The participation in violent extremist activities of even a small number of individuals with military connections and military training, however, could present a risk to the military and to the country as a whole,” the report concluded.
THE GREATER RISK:
But the report also underscored a key concern of Republicans in the wake of the political divide that followed the 2020 election, namely that conservative members of the military, in particular supporters of former President Donald Trump, would feel targeted for their private political views.
“IDA found reason to believe that the risk to the military from widespread polarization and division in the ranks may be a greater risk than the radicalization of a few service members,” the report said.
Rather than punishing troops who are seen as embracing extremist views, the military should seek to educate them, the report recommended. “In light of the inherent gray areas in any definition of extremism, the IDA team concluded that a punitive approach to all forms of prohibited extremist activities would risk alienating a significant part of the force.”
“IDA recommends that the Department focus its efforts to prevent prohibited extremist conduct in ongoing education and training in core values such as loyalty, respect, duty, honor, and mission, emphasizing from recruitment all the way to separation that these values are inconsistent with prohibited extremist activities,” the report concluded. “The Department should also work to counter false information campaigns and build critical thinking in the force by providing training and instruction on how to be a critical consumer of information.”
GALLAGHER: ‘A SERIOUS INDICTMENT OF AUSTIN’S ENTIRE EFFORT’:
The release of the report that was buried for more than a year sparked a sharp condemnation from Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who called the report’s findings “a serious indictment of Austin’s entire effort.”
“Every data source tells the same story,” Gallagher said in a statement. “Yet the damage has been done. As the report itself acknowledges, anecdotal accounts of military participation of events like January 6 ‘magnify the actions of a few and provide little information on the overall scope of the problem.’”
Gallagher said the report cost taxpayers $900,000 and “created the false impression with the public that the military has an extremism problem, thereby politicizing the Pentagon, undermining trust in the military and exacerbating the recruitment crisis with an already skeptical cohort of young Americans.”
“In order to stop the politicization of DOD, solve the recruiting crisis, and save the All-Volunteer Force, DoD leaders must recommit to excellence in warfighting,” Gallagher said, citing a Marine Corps doctrine that states that “any military activities that do not contribute to the conduct of a present war are justifiable only if they contribute to preparedness for a possible future one.’”
How does the report recommend addressing extremism within the military?
Es may not be the most efficient or effective approach,” the report stated.
Instead, the report suggested that the military should focus on education and training to combat extremism within its ranks. This includes promoting critical thinking and media literacy, as well as fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. By addressing the root causes of extremism, the military can better prevent its spread and mitigate its impact.
Additionally, the report emphasized the importance of leadership in addressing extremism. Leaders at all levels must actively promote the values of the military and create an environment where extremism is not tolerated. This requires clear communication, accountability, and strong disciplinary measures for those who violate the principles of the military. By leading by example, senior leaders can set the tone for the entire military and help prevent the infiltration of extremist ideologies.
CONCLUSION:
The release of the Pentagon’s report on extremism in the military serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by extremist views within the ranks. While the number of extremists may be small, their impact can be significant. It is crucial that the military takes proactive measures to address this issue and prevent further radicalization.
By focusing on education, training, and leadership, the military can create an environment that is resistant to extremism. It is essential that troops are equipped with the tools to critically evaluate information, resist manipulation, and understand the consequences of their actions. This will not only protect the integrity of the military but also safeguard the values and security of the entire country.
The fight against extremism in the military requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. It is not enough to simply identify and remove individuals with extremist views. The military must address the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization and create a culture of inclusivity and respect. Only through these efforts can the military truly fulfill its mission to defend and protect the nation.
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