Does the Military Have an Extremism Problem?
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Deep Dive
What was the impact of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack?
The attack resulted in four deaths, 140 law enforcement officers wounded, and nearly $3 million in damage. It was an attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election results, with many participants having military ties.
How many people with military ties were involved in the January 6 Capitol riot?
Of the 1,500 people arrested, approximately 200 had military experience, representing about 13% of those involved. This is double the proportion of military veterans in the general population.
Why are veterans and active-duty military members targeted by extremist groups?
Extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys often recruit veterans due to their military training and experience. This makes them valuable assets for such organizations.
What actions has the military taken to address extremism in its ranks?
The military initiated a 'stand down' to train service members on prohibited activities, such as extremist and overtly political actions. However, confusion remains about what constitutes extremism, and data collection on such incidents has been slow.
What challenges did Bishop Garrison face while defining extremism for the military?
Bishop Garrison faced significant backlash from right-wing media and received threats after being tasked with defining extremism. His work was politicized, and his recommendations, including tracking extremism cases, were largely ignored by military leadership.
What was the outcome for Joshua Bates, the active-duty Marine involved in the Capitol riot?
Joshua Bates received a light criminal sentence of community service and faced a Marine Corps retention hearing. The panel voted to keep him in the Corps, but the final decision rests with the Secretary of the Navy, which remains unresolved.
How might the Trump administration impact the military's efforts to combat extremism?
Under Trump, efforts to address extremism in the military may be rolled back. Trump's nominees, such as Pete Hegseth, have expressed opposition to diversity and anti-extremism programs, potentially reversing recent reforms.
What is the significance of the Marine Corps' overrepresentation in the January 6 riot?
The Marine Corps had the highest proportion of participants relative to its size among military branches. Researchers suggest this may be due to the Corps' traditional, conservative, and physically aggressive culture.
What is the military's current stance on extremism within its ranks?
Military leadership, including top Marine officer General Eric Smith, has downplayed the issue, claiming there is no significant extremism problem. However, no comprehensive data has been collected to support this assertion.
What are the potential consequences of political extremism in the military?
Extremism in the military could lead to internal threats, undermining national security. Researchers warn that without addressing the issue, a major incident involving harm or violence may be required to prompt action.
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