"Extremism is a growing concern inside the ranks," Kirby said. "But even before that, in the previous administration, there were valid concerns about extremism in the military," Kirby added, pointing to the report. "Clearly, the events of January 6th and the presence of some veterans in that crowd has certainly got everybody's attention here," Kirby told reporters on Tuesday. Proud Boys, Boogaloos Fret About Proposed Terror Designation Amid Backlash.As Far-Right Extremism Flares in U.S., Allies Fear Transnational Threat.Gaetz Leads GOP Charge Against 'Bigot' Heading Capitol Security Review.The military is coming under particular scrutiny given the disproportionately high number of veterans and serving military members involved in the January 6 storming of the U.S. Austin said the order would help officials root out "racists and extremists." The Pentagon is in the midst of a 60-day stand down ordered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last month, in which all services have been told to review the danger of extremism within the ranks. "In addition to potential violence, white supremacy and white nationalism pose a threat to the good order and discipline within the military." "Military members are highly prized by these groups as they bring legitimacy to their causes and enhance their ability to carry out attacks," the report said, according to the AP. The Associated Press said the report, published on Tuesday, did not assess whether the extremism problem in the military was getting worse, but included multiple examples of current and former military members affiliating with extremist groups and committing related crimes. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that the probe was ongoing and defense officials could not yet give any guide on how big the extremism problem was.īut the Pentagon has also released a report, requested by Congress under the administration of Donald Trump, that has found far-right extremist groups are actively trying to recruit serving troops and sending their members into the military to gain valuable training and combat experience. The Pentagon has said it still does not know the scale of extremism in the ranks, as officials conduct a military-wide investigation into belief in far-right and other ideologies among troops.
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