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Has the Capitol riot spurred the military to address white supremacy and far-right extremism in its ranks?

Saturday, February 13, 2021
By Lauralei Singsank
YES

In the wake of the January 2021 Capitol riot, the Pentagon has intensified efforts to deal with extremism in the armed forces. As of Jan. 21, 19% of those charged with alleged involvement in the riot had military experience (compared to 7% of the general population).

On Feb. 3, the new Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, ordered a department-wide “stand down” to discuss extremism in the military. Military leaders are to host discussions with their troops over the next 60 days.

On Jan. 14, defense officials announced a new evaluation “addressing ideological extremism within the U.S. armed forces,” including potentially increased monitoring of service members‘ social media accounts.

On Feb. 3, the new Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, ordered a Defense Department-wide “stand down” to discuss extremism. Military leaders are to host discussions with their troops over the next 60 days.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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