Monday, March 15, 2021
What is it?
Extremism poses a threat to the total Army, both at home and abroad. The U.S. Army does not tolerate harmful behaviors and activities—such as extremism, racism, sexual assault and harassment—in its formations. Harmful behaviors such as extremism tear at the fabric of force and undermine the rule of law and the protection of human and civil rights.
Participation in extremist organizations and activities is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military service, and is punishable though the full range of statutory and regulatory sanctions, both criminal (UCMJ), and administrative.
What are the current and past efforts of the Army?
The Army issued force-wide guidance requiring leaders to have a tailored discussion with their units to reinforce extremist activity is incongruent with military life and will not be tolerated. The active Army component must complete this training no later than April 6, 2021 and the reserve component must complete no later than June 6, 2021.
The Army is committed to upholding the Department of Defense policy that prohibits actively advocating, or participating in organizations that advocate, supremacist, extremist, or criminal gang doctrine, ideology, or causes.
The Army has the following regulations and programs to educate Soldiers on training requirements, prohibited behaviors, and the avenues available for reporting suspicious activities.
Army Command Policy (AR 600-20). The regulation lists prohibitions related to extremism, and cyber activity in support of extremist organizations.
Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP) (AR 381-12). Establishes policy and responsibilities for threat awareness and reporting. TARP provides instructions for reporting information to Army Counter Intelligence.
iSALUTE. An on-line reporting program the Army community may use to report suspected extremism, espionage, sabotage, subversion, and terrorism activities.
iWATCH Army. Antiterrorism awareness program for Army community members, providing resources and materials to help neighborhoods stay safe.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned?
The Army is committed to building cohesive teams that are trained and disciplined, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Soldiers serving in the military continue to do so with honor, integrity, and character. They will uphold their oath to protect and defend the U.S. constitution and will not engage in extremist behaviors.
The Army continues to explore ways to educate the community on extremism risks and preventive measures.
Why is this important to the Army?
Army Values have not changed. The Army has always been a values-based organization. Character matters inside the organization. Harmful behaviors and activities—such as extremism, racism, sexual assault and harassment, degrade the Army’s ability to build cohesive teams and can impact Army readiness.
Timely combating of these negative behaviors will allow the Army to avoid any potential devastating effects on the total force.
Resources:
Related STAND-TO!:
Related articles:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.
I would argue … if everyone is treating each other with dignity, respect and taking care of each other, you won’t have sexual assault, harassment or racism and extremism in your formation.
— Chief of Staff of the Army James C. McConville, Oct. 10, 2020