WASHINGTON: An annual report released by the Pentagon has exposed a concerning trend of extremism within the ranks of the US military, Fars News Agency reported. The Pentagon report indicates that 78 service members are suspected of advocating for the overthrow of the US government, while an additional 44 are suspected of supporting or engaging in terrorism over the past year, marking a 25% increase in extremism allegations compared to the previous year.
The findings underscore the persistent challenge of addressing extremism within the military, prompting heightened scrutiny and preventive measures. The report also documented cases of criminal gang activity, the promotion of widespread discrimination, and instances of advocating or engaging in violence to achieve political objectives.
The Pentagon has been disclosing extremism data to US lawmakers since 2021, a response to concerns raised by the involvement of military veterans and active-duty troops in the January 2021 US Capitol riot, where attempts were made to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden’s election victory.
Extremism Within the US Military
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has taken proactive measures to tackle extremism within the military, issuing new rules in December 2021. The new rules outline banned activities, ranging from advocating terrorism to engaging with extremist views on social media. Additional steps include enhanced screening during the recruiting process and the establishment of an investigative unit to identify potential extremists in the military ranks.
The latest review found that the US Army had the highest number of alleged extremism cases among all military branches, with allegations made against 130 soldiers. The Air Force had 29 cases, while the Navy and Marine Corps had ten each. It’s noted that more than 30% of the overall allegations were investigated and found to be unfounded or unsubstantiated.
Defense Secretary Austin, in a February 2021 video message to troops, acknowledged that extremism had long been a concern within the US military. He highlighted the contemporary challenges posed by the rapid and pervasive spread of extremist ideology, particularly through social media channels.
