What Solutions Does Bishop Garrison Propose for Military Radicalization?

Soldiers in uniform saluting with American flag patch

Bishop Garrison’s urgent warning highlights the persistent threat of radicalization within the U.S. military.

At a Glance

Bishop Garrison emphasizes the risk of dismissing potential domestic attacks by military members.
Pentagon guidelines consider “liking” extremist content a punishable offense.
Recent violent incidents involved military personnel, signaling a need for preventive measures.
A Pentagon report finds growing participation in extremism by former service members.
Efforts to combat extremism experienced rightwing backlash, threatening progress.

Pentagon Guidelines and Stubborn Extremism

Bishop Garrison, a decorated combat veteran and previous Pentagon official, has sounded an alarm over radicalization risks within the U.S. military. Following incidents on New Year’s Day, Garrison spoke against dismissing the threat young service members may pose. In response, the Pentagon established new guidelines to curb extremism, potentially disciplining military personnel for “liking” extremist content on social media.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III enacted a 60-day “stand down” to address the issue, after military involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot intensified concerns. A working group was subsequently formed to enhance vetting procedures and educate service members about identifying extremist threats.

Addressing Violent Incidents

Terrifying incidents highlight the growing urgency: a veteran killed 14 individuals in New Orleans, while an active-duty Green Beret orchestrated a suicide bombing in Las Vegas. Garrison notes this “sleeping danger” underscores urgent interventions needed to prevent radicalized service members from endangering others.

Extremist ideologies fueled one attack, while unresolved PTSD propelled another, pointing to the importance of providing robust mental health support for military personnel.

Forward Looking Solutions and Challenges

The newly published Pentagon report, however, lacks significant new data, instead compiling existing findings. Although extremism appears rare within active service members, growing involvement by veterans remains troubling. Outdated security clearance processes, originally rivaling Cold War threats, exacerbate the issue, demanding updates and relevancy.

Garrison, spearheading previous counter-extremism initiatives, urges renewed focus, despite encountering substantial rightwing criticism. Implementation of recommended prevention measures remains hampered, but he urges action to protect both military personnel and civilians alike.