Extremism Problem USA Military’s

The recent intrusion at the Capitol, an effort by Trump supporters to disrupt the confirmation of the electoral college vote on January 6, 2021, has brought attention to a systemic issue within the US military. Individuals tasked with safeguarding the country’s interests turned their weapons on the government, revealing that 21 out of the initial 150 protesters arrested had ties to the military, either currently serving or former personnel. Beyond aligning with Trumpian ideals, these military members have been associated with anarchist, racist, and fundamentalist groups, some advocating for the overthrow of the government to establish an “all-White paradise.”

Deep-seated racism within the US military has been evident for a long time, with incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing and the Burmeister murder case in the 1990s serving as poignant examples. This traces back to the formation of the White Patriot Party by Glenn Miller, who, after hoarding ammunition and explosives, attracted military personnel recently returning from the Vietnam War to join his mission of toppling the government and inciting a race war. Despite Miller’s arrest and subsequent conviction, his legacy endures among military members, with some openly expressing similar extremist beliefs.