CRS INSIGHT
Military Personnel and Extremism: Law, Policy, and
Considerations for Congress
Updated May 16, 2019 (IN11086)
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Kristy N. Kamarck
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Kristy N. Kamarck, Specialist in Military Manpower (kkamarck@crs.loc.gov, 7-7783)
While concern about the confluence of Islamist extremist movements and U.S. military personnel rose following the
2009 attack by an Army officer at Fort Hood, Texas
, recent events have raised concerns about the potential for violence
from other domestic extremist groups. In February 2019, a Coast Guard lieutenant stationed in Washington, DC, was
detained on evidence that he was stockpiling weapons and planning attacks on several high-profile individuals and
organizations. Court documents indicated that this individual had sought and espoused white supremacist ideologies.
Studies by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal agencies have found evidence that some white
supremacist extremist groups actively seek to recruit those with prior or current military experience for their knowledge
and training in firearms, explosives, and tactics. The FBI noted in a 2008 report that some groups sought this experience
"in preparation for an anticipated war against the federal government, Jews, and people of color." In some instances,
senior military leaders have condemned racial hatred, bigotry, and extremism in any form.
While data on the prevalence of white supremacist ideology or activity in the military are limited, existing reports have
raised questions about the actual extent of participation among military personnel in white supremacist movements. In
addition, some servicemembers and civil rights groups are concerned about whether participation poses internal threats
to the safety of military personnel and/or larger threats to national security, and whether Department of Defense (DOD)
policies and processes are adequate to predict, prevent, and respond to radicalization in the ranks.
Military Equal Opportunity Policies
In general, white supremacy ideology asserts that the white race is superior to others—with particular animus directed
toward Jews and African Americans. While DOD policy allows for personal expression, supremacist ideology is
antithetical to DOD's military equal opportunity (MEO) policy, which stipulates, "the right of all Service members to
serve, advance, and be evaluated based on only individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance in an environment
free from harassment, including sexual harassment, and unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, sex (including gender identity), or sexual orientation."
Harassment or discrimination toward a member of these protected categories may be subject to command investigation
and punitive actions. A formal MEO complaint from a servicemember would typically initiate such actions. There are
also military whistleblower protections (10 U.S.C. §1034) and processes in place for servicemember communication
with the DOD Inspector General (DODIG) or a Member of Congress.
