Inspector general investigating whether services are screening recruits for extremism

The Pentagon’s independent inspector general’s office wants to know more about how the military services weed out potential extremists or gang members during the recruiting process, according to a Tuesday project announcement.

Starting this month, the office will work with the military departments, as well as the defense under secretary for personnel and readiness, to study whether current recruit screening mirrors what’s written down in policy.

“We may revise the objective as the audit proceeds, and we will also consider suggestions from management for additional or revised objectives,” Richard Vasquez, the assistant inspector general for audit readiness and global operations, wrote in a memo signed Jan. 3.

The audit comes three weeks after the Defense Department released a report by its Countering Extremism Working Group, which included an update to existing DoD policy governing what counts as extremist behavior for service members.

How extremist groups target veterans, and what can be done about it

Extremist groups might offer some familiar rhetoric to veterans.

By Meghann Myers

As part of that effort, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the services to update their accessions screening forms “to include questions on membership in racially biased entities and other extremist groups, as well as participation in violent acts,” according to the working group’s report.

Recruiting commands can also now access FBI resources to identify tattoos or brands associated with extremism or criminal gangs, as well as other symbols.

Updated training and guidance are also on the way for troops and leadership, a defense official told reporters Dec. 20.

The Pentagon’s been working to tamp down on extremism both within the military and in its hiring processes, inspired by reports in 2021 that as many as 20% of those arrested for participating in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol were either current or former service members.

About Meghann Myers

Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members. Follow on Twitter @Meghann_MT

More In Pentagon & Congress

Pentagon tech chief wants an ‘all in one’ sensor

It is one of several critical technologies that Heidi Shyu, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, included in remarks at SOFIC.

Ukraine getting battalion’s worth of artillery in new $100 million aid package

The U.S. is sending Ukraine another $100 million in military assistance, including heavy artillery and counter-artillery radars, the Biden administration announced Thursday.

Watchdog could subpoena former VA workers under plan approved by Congress

Currently the VA inspector general cannot force former employees to detail problems or crimes they saw during their tenure at the department.

At least 9 troops or vets charged in domestic extremism cases since Capitol riot

An inspector general report recommended updating the DoD's extremism definition, which it has done, as well as creating a system to track extremism reports.

National Guard officer promotions could speed up under new measure

Guard members wait more than seven months on average for advancement.

In Other News

Ukrainian troops surrendering at Mariupol registered as POWs

Hundreds more fighters have emerged from the Mariupol stronghold where they made their last stand and surrendered.

Hybrid power could keep the Little Bird helo flying

A small, yet nimble and heavily used light-attack helicopter that carries small teams of special operators into battle has a problem.

Meet the moms behind the Army’s new parenthood policies

Meet two soldier moms who discuss the sweeping changes benefiting new parents and others on this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast.

Thai archival find may resolve fate of missing WWII US pilot

The remains of an American airman missing in World War II may be heading home, thanks to a chance discovery of records in flood-threatened archives in Thailand.

Army acquisition chief would welcome tank ramp-up if Congress funds it

Army acquisition chief, Doug Bush, said Abrams tanks could be produced at a faster rate should Congress decide to support a ramp-up and that the Pentagon and the Army were looking at options to possibly field Abrams tanks more quickly to Poland.

Officer ‘motorboated’ subordinate at promotion ceremony, retires after guilty plea

A plea deal let the officer keep his retirement, court records revealed.

Feds: National Guard members on state duty can join unions

The Department of Justice has given the green light to National Guard members on active state duty across the country to join labor unions.

Spec ops optics: US forces seek new sights and ways to defeat fog

Having eyes on the battlefield can mean the difference between hitting the right or wrong target, or even hitting the target at all, which is why U.S. special operators are looking to upgrade a host of optics items.

Helmet cam footage triggers medal upgrade for soldier killed in Niger ambush

Newly recovered helmet camera footage triggered the Silver Star upgrade for Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson.

New rounds, new small arms make special operators’ firepower wish list

The weapon will fire a round now used in Marine sniper rifles.