House Democrats press U.S. military about how it is screening for white nationalism and other extrem

[swag]

Source: Washington Post

House Democrats press U.S. military about how it is screening for white nationalism and other extremism in the ranks

By Dan Lamothe

February 25 at 11:02 AM

A series of incidents in which U.S. troops have been arrested in cases involving white nationalism is of “significant concern, particularly given their combat and weapons training,” several House Democrats said in a letter Monday pressing the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security for information about how they screen recruits.

Reps. Elijah E. Cummings, Anthony G. Brown and Jamie B. Raskin of Maryland and Rep. Jackie Speier of California wrote that they applaud the actions taken by federal agencies in the arrest this month of Coast Guard Lt. Christopher P. Hasson, a self-proclaimed white nationalist who authorities say had a list of journalists and politicians whom he planned to kill.

But citing that case and others in 2017, the lawmakers asked acting defense secretary Patrick Shanahan and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, whose agency oversees the Coast Guard, how Hasson and others who demonstrated extremist views were able to circumvent the military’s checks.

“Our hope is that these incidents are isolated events and are not indicative of a larger, systemic issue within the United States Armed Services,” the Democratic lawmakers wrote. “Beyond the extremes of domestic terrorism, we are additionally concerned with low level racism and other identity-based harassment that disrupts unit cohesion, impacts readiness, and degrades the ability of our servicemembers to protect our nation. Servicemembers who experience or witness racist or hateful behavior must be able to report such behavior without fear of repercussions.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/02/25/house-democrats-press-us-military-about-how-it-is-screening-white-nationalism-other-extremism-ranks/?utm_term=.a053b4c5916e

[magicarpet]

1. Screen for extremists and white nationalists ?

With the all volunteer army recruitment far below needs in Afghanistan and Iraq the standards for new recruits was dropped significantly.

Nazis and white supremacists took advantage of this and applied for weapons, munitions, and bomb training. Those Nazi extremists then applied for police, fire, and security work once they returned home side.

We have Nazis roaming America who are now well trained in weapons use as applies to street warfare. There is a hidden monster that awaits being unleashed by Fascist trDump when he gives the signal to mobilize this gun happy white nationalist crowd.

[GentryDixon]

3. They dropped all pretense of bringing in clean recruits

when Bush went into Iraq. They needed warm bodies, and were willing to take all they could get.

My dad, husband & son served in the Army, and served honorably. I have such a visceral reaction to some of the latest veterans of Afghanistan & Iraq wars. I know most were not radicalized, and I can see that on Twitter, but so many are just horrible, and they are the ones I have trouble with.

[matt819]

2. A hearing ain't going to do it

The DoD will just (sorry about this) whitewash it.

I don't know how to get a better handle on this, but this requires a far deeper dive into the US military than will be offered in a Congressional hearing.

Maybe the investigation of the Coast Guard guy will uncover links to other US military personnel.

Maybe it's time for further investigation into the various white supremacists/domestic terrorists who have been arrested regarding their military backgrounds and connections to currently serving military personnel.

Another area to look at? Police departments. I mean, Washington State sheriffs have said openly that they have no plans to enforce a new state weapons law. Wanna bet all of those sheriffs are white and that even scratching the surface there will turn up white supremacists?

There are folks here at DU who are extremely knowledgeable about the military, and I'd like to see their comments on the problem and how to get more reliable info.

My guess? It's widespread and would require a multi-agency, Mueller-like investigation to uncover and dismantle these networks.

[Mr.Bill]

4. During the Iraq war, a Marine recruiter lived across the street from me.

He told me he tells prospective recruits they are going to get to "kill ragheads every day". He said they love hearing that stuff.

[magicarpet]

5. Jeez ,... some are just Fascist meatheads

[YOHABLO]

6. Check out the tattoos. Might be my first go to. I'm not kidding.