Following an in-depth inquiry by USA TODAY, the military has at last disclosed its internal report on extremism.
After a year and a half since its conclusion, the Department of Defense has belatedly released a report on extremism within its ranks. Originally commissioned by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in April 2021, the report was one of four "immediate actions" announced in response to the January 6 insurrection. Subsequently, numerous current and former military members have faced charges related to the events of January 6.
Earlier this year, a comprehensive investigation by USA
TODAY revealed limited progress in the military's efforts to counter extremism,
with several crucial initiatives appearing to be at a standstill or incomplete.
Among these initiatives was the "Study on Extremist Activity within the
Total Force," which had been concluded by the Institute for Defense
Analyses in June 2022, as initially reported by USA TODAY. However, the
findings of this study had not been made public.
Responding to renewed requests directed at the Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the report was finally
provided to USA TODAY on Tuesday, marking the first time its contents have been
disclosed.
Those well-versed in extremism have eagerly anticipated the
release of this report, optimistic that it will provide fresh insights into the
severity of the military's extremism issue. Austin's April 2021 memo emphasized
the report's central objective: to attain "greater fidelity on the scope
of the problem."
"I simply seek reliable data—whether it's small, large,
or minute—enabling us to tackle the issue," remarked Heidi Beirich,
co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, to USA TODAY
earlier this year.
However, the report seems to provide minimal, if any, fresh
data regarding the extent of the military's extremism issue. Instead, it
consolidates pre-existing data from various sources, including the military's
Inspector General.
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