US: Nearly 100 soldiers involved in ‘banned extremist activities’ in last year

About 100 members of the U.S. military took part in some form of “banned extremist activity” last year, the Pentagon said Monday, issuing new instructions to the military.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had ordered a review of the Pentagon’s anti-extremism policies in February.

The announcement came after it was revealed that dozens of former military personnel had taken part in the attack on the Washington Capitol on January 6, when thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the congressional headquarters to prevent the ratification of the ballot papers. of 2020.

“The vast majority of Defense Department men and women serve their country with honor and integrity,” said Lloyd Austin, according to a press release accompanying a working group report on the fight against extremism.

“They keep their oath to uphold and defend the US Constitution,” he said. “We believe that only a very small number of people violate their oath by engaging in extremist activities.”

“About 100” members of the US military, active or in reserve, were involved in banned extremist activities last year, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kerby.

The spokesman did not specify the nature of these activities, but cited examples of involvement in attempts to overthrow the government or commit “internal terrorism”.

In the new directions, the working group does not refer by name to any extremist organization.

Among his recommendations is to increase military training on what constitutes a prohibited extremist activity.

“This mainly includes guidelines for social networking sites on what is allowed and what is not,” John Kerby explained.

SOURCE: AMPE