A Troubling Discovery in the US Military

In a shocking revelation, an active-duty soldier from the US Army has been discovered following a notorious neo-Nazi group on TikTok—a group notorious for its vow to recruit military personnel for a so-called race war.

Pentagon's Flawed Response to Extremism

Experts warn that this incident highlights a troubling trend under the leadership of Pete Hegseth, suggesting that the Pentagon is turning a blind eye to the threat of extremism within its ranks.

While one might think following a social media account is minor, the reality is far graver. The soldier is linked to "The Base," a violent neo-Nazi organization once implicated in an FBI investigation, and that connection violates directives issued under President Biden aimed at combatting extremist behavior online.

Policy Halts and Recruitment Efforts

In a concerning twist, the Department of Defense paused extensive counter-extremism initiatives earlier this year, claiming they clashed with Donald Trump's executive orders. This has raised serious questions about how effectively the military is addressing far-right infiltration.

After the disturbing events of January 6, where a significant number of Capitol insurrectionists had military ties, the Pentagon had initially moved to tackle extremism head-on. This included new policies explicitly addressing social media interactions with extremist groups.

Eerie Social Media Activity

On a dubious TikTok account run by The Base, which has only 30 followers, posts advocate for violent acts in Ukraine alongside neo-Nazi symbols. The soldier—whose name has been provided to the Army—is actively engaged with this content.

A spokesperson confirmed the Army’s investigation, stating, "The army will not tolerate harmful behaviors and activities – including active participation in extremist activities," emphasizing the commitment to confront extremism among servicemen.

Chilling Background

The individual in question appears on his personal Instagram account as a fan of airsoft and World War II reenactments, even dressing as a member of Nazi Germany’s Wehrmacht. Such affiliations foster deep concerns surrounding military loyalty and ideology.

A Call to Act on Extremism

Joshua Fisher-Birch, a respected analyst on far-right extremism, highlights the group's advocacy for violence and recruitment strategies aimed at soldiers. "The Base has been labeled a terrorist group by several nations including the UK, Canada, and Australia," he warns.

Despite this alarming trend, critics argue that addressing far-right extremism remains an afterthought for the Pentagon, with priority instead placed on suppressing so-called "woke" ideologies.

Historical Context and Immediate Consequences

Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, points out the historical dangers of ignoring right-wing extremism in the military. She recalls the infamous case of Timothy McVeigh, a Desert Storm veteran behind the Oklahoma City bombing.

Beirich contends that any soldier connected to such extremist groups should face immediate disciplinary actions, stating, "It's terrifying to think an American soldier could be linked to a violent neo-Nazi organization."

A Growing Crisis

The Base has a documented record of recruiting not just veterans but current active-duty members, posing a significant risk to national security. With examples of other servicemen engaging in extremist plots, the time for serious action is now.

With each passing day, the threat of extremism within the military poses a growing crisis—with far-reaching implications for both the military and society as a whole.