The Pentagon says about 100 U.S. troops have been involved in "prohibited extremist activity" in the past year, prompting new instructions Monday.
In February 2021, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin ordered a review of the Department of Defense's policies aimed at curbing military extremism.
According to the French news agency AFP, the review came after the revelation that dozens of ex-servicemen had participated in the January 6 attack on the meeting hall by supporters of former President Donald Trump."The vast majority of men and women working in the Department of Defense are serving the country with respect and integrity," Austin said in a report on the prevention of extremism.
He further added that he would abide by the oath he had taken to defend the United States. We believe that only a few individuals have become involved in extremist activities and violated it. "
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the survey found that about 100 serving or reserve military personnel had participated in banned extremist activities in the past year.
He declined to say what kind of activities he was involved in, but cited support for a government coup or "local terrorism" as examples of prohibited activities.
The new guidelines do not include any working groups as extremist groups.
Its recommendations call for increased training and education of personnel so that they know why prohibited activities have been stopped.
John Kirby added that "this includes specific guidelines for social media that state what is allowed and what is not allowed in relation to extremism."
