In a critical plea, Bishop Garrison urges the preservation and development of anti-extremism programs in the U.S. military amid burgeoning threats from radicalized service members.
At a Glance
- New Pentagon guidelines were set to counter extremism after the January 6 Capitol attack.
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the need to counter extremist symbols within the ranks.
- A report reveals rare but dangerous extremism cases among service members and veterans.
- Bishop Garrison warns against potential abandonment of important counter-extremism measures.
A New Era of Military Vigilance
Bishop Garrison, a prominent figure in the Pentagon’s efforts to root out extremism, emphasizes the criticality of addressing soldier and veteran radicalization. At the year’s start, two violent incidents involving military personnel underscored the urgency of his message. Garrison calls for decisive actions to curb this trend as leadership changes threaten to abandon these measures.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III introduced significant measures, including a 60-day “stand down” order to address extremism. These measures followed the January 6 Capitol attack, involving active and former service members. The Pentagon devised guidelines warning against engaging with extremist content online. Implementing such policies requires unwavering commitment during this pivotal period.
Hard-Hitting Reports and Findings
In response to growing concerns, the Department of Defense commissioned a report on extremism within the military ranks. The report, prepared by the Institute for Defense Analyses, collated existing data and found extremism cases rare but perilous. Notably, 100 service members faced extremism-related actions last year. A working group developed recommendations to monitor and mitigate extremism, urging updates in vetting and educational processes.
The report cites 10 court-martial cases, primarily handled administratively. Critics highlight outdated security clearance processes focusing on past threats rather than current domestic concerns. This necessitates revisions to comprehensively tackle extremist threats.
Calls to Action and Counter-Criticism
Bishop Garrison raises alarms about a looming threat if extremist trends persist within military circles. Two incidents—one in New Orleans and a suicide bombing in Las Vegas—had strong military links and underscored radicalization’s dangerous roots. Garrison stresses preventative measures targeting veteran radicalization and active-duty stress factors. Despite the backlash, including critiques from Pete Hegseth, Garrison remains steadfast in his mission.
“Both incidents demonstrate the sleeping danger that we have failed to deal with as a country.” – Bishop Garrison
Garrison highlights the pressing cultural challenges deterring military personnel from seeking needed help. These challenges necessitate immediate attention to prevent tragic events similarly motivated by extremist ideology or untreated PTSD.
Sources:
- Pentagon Updates Its Rules on Extremism in the Military – The New York Times
- After USA TODAY investigation, military finally releases internal extremism report
- Extremism in US military is ‘sleeping danger’ says author of Pentagon report
