Ft. Riley, Kansas – A concerning issue has emerged within the US Army as an active-duty serviceman from the 1st Infantry Division has been found openly following a banned neo-Nazi terrorist group on social media. This group, known as the Base, has expressed intentions to recruit soldiers for what they term as a “race war.” This revelation raises questions about the Pentagon’s handling of extremism within the military, particularly under the leadership of Pete Hegseth.
Experts point out that while following a TikTok account might seem insignificant, it becomes alarming when it involves a violent neo-Nazi organization like the Base. Policies issued under President Joe Biden have discouraged such affiliations on social media, yet the Department of Defense stalled a significant counter-extremism initiative in February under the pretext that it contradicted former President Donald Trump’s executive orders. Consequently, the effectiveness of eradicating far-right influences within the military remains uncertain.
In response to the January 6 insurrection and revelations of military backgrounds among the attackers, the Pentagon initiated a stand-down order and formed a working group on extremism. By December 2021, new policies were introduced to address extremist activities, particularly focusing on monitoring soldiers’ conduct on social media and affiliations with extremist groups.
One disturbing revelation was the discovery that a private and mortarmen from the 1st Infantry Division was listed as a follower on the Base’s recruitment TikTok account. This account promoted violent missions in Ukraine, neo-Nazi symbolism, and the formation of dedicated units. The US Army is now investigating the serviceman’s connections to the group, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy towards extremism within its ranks.
The Base, labeled as a terrorist group by multiple countries, continues to target soldiers due to the perceived value of combat experience and military training. Critics warn that neglecting far-right extremism in the military is not only dangerous but historically ignorant. Efforts to combat extremism have taken a backseat under the current leadership at the Pentagon, raising concerns among experts and advocates for stricter enforcement of regulations.
It is crucial that the military takes decisive action against any servicemen found to be associated with extremist groups like the Base. The implications of allowing such affiliations to go unchecked are grave, as evidenced by past incidents of former military personnel engaging in violent plots. The need to uphold regulations and enforce consequences for extremist ties is paramount to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the US military.