The Pentagon issued new rules to tackle extremism within the U.S. military.
The Pentagon put forward clearer definitions of what constitutes extremist behaviors, finally updating old guidance that experts said was vague.
Renewed plans come following reports that dozens of military members have had direct ties to extremist activity in the past year alone, as well as reports that dozens of veterans, as well as some active military service members, participated in the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection on the Capitol.
It was the biggest attack on the Capitol since 1814 and has resulted in more than 700 arrests of those participating in the violence.
Domestic extremism within military forces has been an increasing concern following the Jan. 6 attack. According to analyses, nearly one in every five rioters who have so far been charged for participating in the insurrection have some sort of connection to the military.
The rules stop short of actually blocking membership to an extremist organization. Officials say the rules make it more difficult to participate in extremist groups. A senior defense official said that they do not believe there is a way to become a member of an extremist group due to the way the new rules are written, even if it doesn’t prohibit membership directly.
The Pentagon is homing in on the definition of extremist behavior, publishing new guidance for what members of the military are permitted to do, both in person as well as online and on social media. The rules prohibit advocating terrorism or extremism or liking extremist content online.
Officials briefing the guidance said that it includes a two-part test to determine if something is extremist activity and therefore blocked.
While the Pentagon says the number of cases remains reportedly small of military members participating in extremism, it reiterated commitment to root out all extremism.
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