Neo-Nazis in the US Military

The New York Times has a disturbing story in its Friday edition about how members of hate groups have 'infiltrated' the US military. Their article is based on a report by Morris Dees' Southern Poverty Law Center which tracks these groups and their activities.

Under pressure to meet wartime manpower goals, the U.S. military has relaxed standards designed to weed out racist extremists. Large numbers of potentially violent neo-Nazis, skinheads and other white supremacists are now learning the art of warfare in the armed forces.

Department of Defense investigators estimate thousands of soldiers in the Army alone are involved in extremist or gang activity. "We've got Aryan Nations graffiti in Baghdad," said one investigator. "That's a problem."

Southern Poverty Law Center President Richard Cohen urged Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding racist extremism among members of the U.S. military.

Cohen also issues this blunt warning:

Military extremists present an elevated threat both to their fellow soldiers and the general public. Today's white supremacists become tomorrow's domestic terrorists.

The presence of such extremists in the military was seriously curbed following the Oklahoma City bombing, according to the NYT, which notes that McVeigh recruited two of his military buddies to carry out that act of terrorism.

Apparently, the scrutiny has since slackened and that ought to be a serious concern not only for the Pentagon but for all Americans concerned about their security.

You can read more about what the SPLC has uncovered at their site, which is always a source of invaluable information. They also have a free newsletter you can subscribe to.