American Terror: The Military’s Problem With Extremism in the Ranks

VICE News・2 minutes read

White nationalists in the military are transitioning into extremist organizations, posing an increased threat due to their training and organization. The Pentagon has issued a stand-down order to address extremism, but experts warn that the problem of white supremacists radicalizing members needs to be effectively tackled to prevent potential escalation of extremist violence.

Insights

  • White nationalists with military backgrounds are increasingly joining extremist organizations, posing a heightened threat due to their training, organization, and access to weapons.
  • Despite Pentagon efforts to address extremism in the military, experts like Goldsmith argue that the issue of white supremacists radicalizing members remains unaddressed, emphasizing the urgent need for a more effective approach to prevent the escalation of extremist violence.

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Recent questions

  • What is the connection between white nationalists and the military?

    White nationalists are prevalent in the military and are transitioning into extremist organizations, posing an increased threat due to their military background.

  • How has the global war on terror impacted extremist activities?

    The global war on terror has fueled a surge in extremist activities, with extremist groups valuing recruiting members with military experience for credibility.

  • What actions has the Pentagon taken to address extremism in the military?

    The Pentagon issued a stand down order to address extremism in the military and implemented policies such as screening for extremist affiliations during recruitment.

  • What was discovered at the training base in October 2020?

    In October 2020, a training base was discovered that led to the arrest of Watkins and three others, revealing a creepy farmhouse where extremist activities took place.

  • How has the government responded to extremism within the military?

    Despite experts like Goldsmith highlighting the issue, the government has not effectively addressed extremism within the military, with the Senate armed services committee voting to halt investigations into extremism, deeming it an isolated problem.

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Summary

00:00

Military Background Fuels Extremist Group Growth

  • White nationalists are prevalent in the military and are now transitioning into extremist organizations.
  • Military background in individuals involved in violent extremism poses an increased threat.
  • The global war on terror has fueled a surge in extremist activities.
  • Extremist groups with military experience are trained, organized, and armed.
  • The presence of military backgrounds in right-wing extremist groups has been growing.
  • Extremist groups value recruiting members with military experience for credibility.
  • The Pentagon issued a stand down order to address extremism in the military.
  • Extremist activity in and out of the military has been a longstanding issue.
  • Major American wars have historically led to surges in extremist activities.
  • Recent wars have introduced combat-experienced veterans into politically divided moments, potentially escalating extremist violence.

18:20

Extremist Training Compound Uncovered in Michigan

  • In October 2020, a training base was discovered that led to the arrest of Watkins and three others.
  • Michigan State police detectives walked through the investigation and took the team to the compound.
  • Safety precautions were discussed before approaching the compound, as it was private property.
  • The compound was described as a creepy farmhouse where extremist activities took place.
  • Watkins, the leader, had a military background and had made the farmhouse a fortress for training.
  • The FBI learned about the weapons cache through online communications.
  • Watkins was kicked out of the army for violent behavior and failure to adapt.
  • The FBI agent highlighted Watkins' military training and the added threat it posed.
  • The Pentagon implemented policies to combat extremism, including screening for extremist affiliations.
  • The military recruiter discussed the process of weeding out extremists during recruitment.

34:55

Military Extremism: A Growing Concern Unaddressed

  • Goldsmith, a former military member, fell in with libertarian radicals after becoming disillusioned with the military, but later turned his life around, becoming an expert on extremism among veterans.
  • Despite his expertise, Goldsmith believes the government has not effectively addressed extremism within the military, particularly the issue of white supremacists radicalizing members.
  • The Senate armed services committee, led by Republicans, voted to halt Pentagon investigations into extremism, deeming it an isolated problem within the military.
  • General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, was reluctant to discuss extremism publicly, and the Pentagon canceled an interview on the topic, highlighting the divisive nature of the issue.
  • Goldsmith emphasizes the need for a different approach to combat extremism within the military, warning of potential worsening if not addressed, as the true extent of the problem remains unknown.
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