{"id":118702,"date":"2021-03-02T20:31:27","date_gmt":"2021-03-02T20:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/03\/02\/how-to-hold-an-extremism-stand-down\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:22:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:22:49","slug":"how-to-hold-an-extremism-stand-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/news\/your-military\/2021\/03\/02\/how-to-hold-an-extremism-stand-down\/","title":{"rendered":"How to hold an extremism stand-down"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Commands across the military have until early April to hold a one-day stand-down<\/a> to talk to their formations about the threat of domestic extremism<\/a>. To get the conversation going, the Defense Department has put together a guide<\/a> with talking points, policies and some recent case studies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The materials, posted online Friday, accompany a video from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know a stand-down like this can seem like another task to undertake, another burden,\u201d Austin said. \u201cBut the truth of the matter is, we need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DoD\u2019s position on extremist ideology has been murky in the past, as written instruction doesn\u2019t legally prohibit service members from <\/b>belonging to extremist organizations or holding or discussing extremist views, only from acting on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Austin\u2019s guidance puts a much finer point on the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActively espousing ideologies that encourage discrimination, hate, and harassment against others will not be tolerated within our (unit\/command\/etc),\u201d according to the training guide\u2019s talking points for commanders. \u201cI expect the core principles of dignity and mutual respect to guide the actions of the personnel in this unit\/organization at all times, to include our conversations here today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To clarify, there is a list of prohibited activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFundraising, demonstrating, rallying, recruiting, training, organizing, leading members, distributing material (including posting online), or knowingly wearing gang colors or clothing, having tattoos or body markings associated with such gangs or organizations; or otherwise engaging in activities in furtherance of objectives of such gangs or organizations that are detrimental to good order, discipline, or mission accomplishment or are incompatible with military service,\u201d the guidance says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the military has already experienced challenges keeping track of extremists, such as monitoring and identifying tattoos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June, 2017, an Army 15-6 investigation into Florida Army National Guard Pfc. Brandon Russell \u2014 one of the creators of the neo-Nazi Atomwaffen organization \u2014 found that the military did not have a database<\/a> for maintaining tattoo records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to policy, there is a section on the oath of enlistment\/office, and its affirmations to uphold and defend the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever forget that being on our team is an honor and a privilege,\u201d the guidance says. \u201cYou serve one of the most respected institutions in America and that comes with added responsibilities and obligations. You are held to a higher professional standard and must set the example in all that you say and do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if a service member or DoD civilian sees anything that goes against policy, the guidance continues, it needs to be reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\t