The Pentagon recently shelved a crucial report on extremist activity within the military, succumbing to intense right-wing criticism. The report, finalized in December 2021, contained 20 recommendations aimed at combating such activities, but its implementation remains uncertain. Senator Elizabeth Warren has now compiled a list of 70 questions directed at Pete Hegseth, a nominee poised to influence future counter-extremism efforts. Hegseth's promise to scale back these programs, if confirmed, raises concerns about potential infiltration and radicalization within the armed services. His criticisms of the initiative, labeling it a "patriot purge," have stirred further controversy.
Bishop Garrison, who led the Department of Defense's internal investigation into military extremism in 2021, was appointed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to address this growing concern. Despite a smear campaign against him, Garrison's work culminated in a detailed report outlining the extent of insider threats and proposing solutions. He emphasized the importance of the first amendment rights while focusing on preventing extremist activities within the ranks.
"Secretary Austin regularly reminded us to uphold the first amendment rights of all service members – this was not about the content, it was about the extremist activity we were trying to prevent." – Bishop Garrison
The urgency of addressing extremist activity was underscored by attacks on New Year's Day involving discharged or serving military members. Garrison warned that these incidents exemplify a "sleeping danger" that the country has yet to adequately confront.
"Both incidents demonstrate the sleeping danger that we have failed to deal with as a country." – Bishop Garrison
He expressed concern over the potential for future domestic attacks by individuals with military ties, should the Pentagon fail to take decisive action.
"I am worried that we will see more of this type of action taking place, that it will become more bombastic and stronger, and that more people will be injured or killed." – Bishop Garrison
Despite finishing the recommendations, Garrison lamented that they were never adopted, leaving military units vulnerable.
"As far as I know, there was never any implementation of our policies." – Bishop Garrison
"We finished our recommendations, we had been attacked, our recommendations were not adopted." – Bishop Garrison
The potential erasure of existing provisions to combat extremism within the military looms large. Hegseth's appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee marks the beginning of his confirmation process. During this time, committee members are urged to rigorously question his past statements to ensure military safety and mission readiness.
"The committee should ask some very direct questions about Hegseth’s previous statements. This is not about political rhetoric, it’s about keeping people safe and ensuring that military units are able to carry out their mission of protecting the country." – Bishop Garrison
Hegseth's use of a media platform to denounce counter-extremism efforts as a "patriot purge" has drawn sharp criticism from those advocating for robust measures against radicalization. Garrison highlighted cultural issues within the military that may hinder service members from seeking necessary support due to career concerns.
"It’s clear that he didn’t feel comfortable getting the type of help he needed, because he was concerned it would have an adverse effect on his career." – Bishop Garrison
"That’s a cultural problem within the military. And that is something I know that the secretaries of the army, navy and air force are all working very hard to address." – Bishop Garrison