Lawmakers are questioning whether military officials are taking the issue of white nationalism and extremism in the ranks as a serious threat, noting that the Pentagon has spent little time tracking the issue despite indications it is getting worse.
“I don’t think the military takes this threat seriously enough, has the tools it needs, or dedicates sufficient resources to the threat,” said Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Armed Services Committee’s panel on military personnel.
“The lack of urgency and focus trickles down to commanders and enlisted leaders, who don’t appear to be sufficiently apprised of this threat or taught how to deal with it. Even if they were dealing with it, the military lacks statistics to prove it.”