Extremism in The Ranks Stand-Down Training Slides
Extremism in The Ranks Stand-Down Training Slides
Discussion Guide
Supplemental Slides
19Feb21
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Overview - Why Are We Here Today?
SECDEF Austin’s February 5, 2021 Memo Regarding Stand-down to
Address Extremism in the Ranks
• “We took an oath to obey the law, support and defend the Constitution”
• “Without question, the vast majority of the men and women of this Department
serve with honor and uphold our core values.”
• “Service in the DoD is a privilege that comes with added responsibilities and
obligations”
• “We will not tolerate actions that go against the fundamental principles of the
oath we share, including actions associated with extremist ideologies.”
SECDEF Austin’s February 19, 2021 Video and Leadership Stand-Down
Framework
• The vast majority of the men and women in the United States military and
those who serve the Department of Defense as civilian employees perform
their duties and responsibilities with integrity, and do not support racially and
ethnically motivated violent extremists, including white supremacists, and
other domestic terrorists such as anti-government violent extremists.
However, recent events have shown that we must be ever vigilant in our
efforts to identify and combat such ideology within the ranks and
organizations.
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Overview - Why Are We Here Today?
SECDEF Austin’s February 19, 2021 Video and Leadership Stand-Down
Framework
• Duty to Reject: Service members and DoD civilian employees must reject
participation in such activities. With regard to Service members, Department
policy makes clear that commanders have the authority to employ the full
range of administrative and disciplinary actions, including involuntary
separation, dismissal, or even appropriate criminal prosecution against those
who actively engage in such activity. Supervisors and leaders of all ranks
must also take action to maintain good order and discipline and root out
extremism.
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SECDEF VIDEO
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“To Support and Defend the Constitution
against all enemies foreign and domestic”
Consider these provisions of the Constitution we support and defend:
- Together, our Constitution, laws, and policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including gender identity), sexual
orientation, or religion.
- Similarly, speech in the workplace that interferes with the mission, espouses
extremist or discriminatory doctrine, or is disrespectful and harmful to colleagues,
will have consequences.
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“To Support and Defend the Constitution
against all enemies foreign and domestic”
We defend the Constitution, not a supervisor, political appointee or
person occupying a political office.
Our oath has no expiration date.
The oath we have pledged is much bigger than ourselves.
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“To Support and Defend the Constitution
against all enemies foreign and domestic”
As a symbolic recommitment to obey the law, support and defend the
Constitution, and do our jobs to the best of our abilities, I invite you to
join me in reaffirming the oath of office or enlistment
• Conduct Officer/DON Civilian Oath of Office
• Conduct Oath of Enlistment
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Oath of Office – All Officers | DON Civilians
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Oath of Enlistment – All Enlisted Sailors
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Options for Reporting Extremist Conduct
Reporting options:
• Inform your chain of Command.
• Talk to the CMEO and file a formal or informal complaint. Our Command CMEO
is _________________(insert contact info).
• Talk to the DoN Insider Threat Program Office.
• Contact EEO Office for DoN Civilian Personnel.
• Contact NCIS / local law enforcement.
• NCIS tip line can be anonymous – but please be specific
• You MUST report credible allegations to the Security Manager. Our Command
Security Manager is ______(insert contact info).
Thanks for your participation and I challenge you to have honest and open
discussions in your small group break-out sessions.
You can:
• Inform your chain of Command
• Talk to the CMEO and file a formal or informal complaint. Our Command
CMEO is _________________.
• Commanding Officers will contact SJA/NCIS for more severe cases.
• Contact EEO Office for DoN Civilian Personnel.
Thanks for your participation and I challenge you to have honest and
open discussions in your small group break-out sessions.
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Transition to Small Group Break Out
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Signature Behaviors
“Our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment and our attributes
of Integrity, Accountability, Initiative, and Toughness will always guide us.
They underpin who we are as members of the profession of arms: united
by our common oath, dedicated to our special standards of ethics and
character, and constantly honing our unique expertise in the art and
science of naval warfare.”
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Signature Behaviors
Our 10 Signature Behaviors Are:
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Equal Opportunity Requirements
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Prohibited Behaviors
Supremacist/Extremist Conduct
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Example One: Paramilitary Activity
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Example Two: Domestic Extremism
In .February 2019, the FBI arrested a junior officer in the U.S. Coast Guard after
uncovering a stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and opioids in his home. The
member planned to conduct a widespread domestic terror attack targeting
politicians and journalists in the Washington, D.C. area. The officer was a self-
described white nationalist and conducted thousands of internet searches on neo-
Nazi and neo-fascist websites using his government computer. The officer was
dropped from the Coast Guard rolls and sentenced in federal court to 13 years in
prison.
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Example Three: Organizing and Recruiting
In May 2019, an Air Force senior enlisted member was alleged to have been a
member of Identity Evropa, a neo-Nazi and white supremacist organization. The
Service member also allegedly physically posted supremacist propaganda on
several occasions. Furthermore, he allegedly served as an organizer with Identity
Evropa, recruited other members, and appeared in photographs wearing clothes
with the Identity Evropa logo and taking part in a protest sponsored by the
group. He was demoted in grade and administratively separated from the Air Force.
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Example Four: Racist and Supremacist
Statements
In 2019, an enlisted Marine shared a number of racist social media posts, including
one of himself in blackface and with Nazi propaganda. One of the posts depicted
military explosives placed in the shape of a Swastika. The member was
administratively discharged from the Service.
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Key Concepts and Definitions
Extremist Group OPNAVINST 5354.1G defines an Extremist Group as
an organization that espouses supremacist causes; attempts to create
illegal discrimination based on race, creed, color, ethnicity, national
origin, sex [includes gender identity], sexual orientation, or religion;
advocates using force or violence; or otherwise engages in efforts to
deprive individuals of their civil rights.
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Key Concepts and Definitions
Supremacism Though not defined in DoD or Navy policy, dictionary
definitions of supremacism generally delineate a belief that a particular
group, especially one determined by race, religion, or sex, is superior
and should therefore dominate society (e.g. KKK, neo-Nazis).
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Prohibited Behaviors
DoDI 1325.06
Unlawful participation in a supremacist, extremist, or criminal
organization includes but is not limited to:
• fundraising;
MILPERSMAN
• demonstrating or1910-160
rallying as a member of the organization;
• recruiting, training, organizing, or leading members;
• distributing material (including posting online);
• knowingly wearing gang colors or clothing;
• having tattoos or body markings associated with such gangs or organizations;
• or otherwise engaging in activities in furtherance of the objective of such gangs
or organizations that are detrimental to good order, discipline, or mission
accomplishment or are incompatible with military service
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Potential Adverse Consequences
Misconduct subject to punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Art. 88 – Contempt toward officials
• Art. 92 – Failure to obey an order
• Art. 94 – Mutiny or sedition
• Art. 115 – Communicating a threat
• Art. 116 – Riot or breach of peace
• Art. 117 – Provoking speeches or gestures
• Art. 133 – Conduct unbecoming an officer
• Art. 134 – Conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline or service discrediting
• Any other violations of the UCMJ, and federal and state criminal laws
Potential Adverse Outcomes (For Service Members)
• Court-Martial
• Non-judicial punishment
• Administrative separation
• Denial of Reenlistment
• Loss of Security Clearance
• Suspension of eligibility to occupy sensitive positions
• Removal from certain duties, such as restricted area badge access or flying status, or
duties involving firearms
• Counseling and corrective training
• Adverse evaluations and position reassignments
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Potential Adverse Outcomes for Civilians
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Reserve | Retired Sailors
Retired /
Fleet Yes, over all offenses in all places with SECNAV approval. Yes Yes
Reserve
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Security Clearance:
2017 Executive Branch Adjudicative Guidance
Considers: Allegiance (Loyalty) to the United States
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Key Take-Aways
Extremist and supremacist behaviors are prohibited
These behaviors are not aligned with the Navy Culture of Excellence,
our Core Values or Signature Behaviors of the 21st Century
Sailor/Civilian
They also violate provisions of the UCMJ and Navy Policy and can result
in criminal or administrative accountability, including loss of security
clearance
While we all enjoy the First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech, an
individual military member’s rights are balanced with the mission
requirement of maintaining loyalty to the United States and Good Order
and Discipline in a military force
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Our Military is Apolitical | Non-Political
The military as an institution is only effective if we have the trust of the
public.
Our Constitution firmly establishes that the military is subordinate to
civilian leadership — regardless of political party.
Therefore, we are an APOLITICAL (non-political) institution and must
remain vigilant in preserving our reputation as an APOLITICAL (non-
political) body.
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Permissible Political Activities
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Political Activity (Military | Civilians)
Active duty personnel and civilian employees have different rules when it
comes to political activities. Civilians are governed by the “Hatch Act.”
• In general many prohibitions that apply to military personnel are the same
for civilians while they are on duty or in the federal workplace, but civilians
have much greater ability to participate in political activities when off-duty
and not at work.
• The list of prohibited activities on the following slide applies to active-duty
personnel (at all times) and Civilians when they are at work.
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Prohibited Political Activities
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Examples of Prohibited Speech for
Military Personnel
Expression Violation of an Article
“The President is a ….& is screwing up Art 88 – Contemptuous words toward
the U.S.” officials
“With all due respect Sir, why don’t you Art 89 – Disrespect to a Superior
go…” Commissioned Officer
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Permissible | Recommended
Social Media Practices
Treat others with dignity and respect
• Seek to understand others’ positions. Use respectful language when you
disagree
Be proactive when you see online extremist/supremacist conduct
by others
• Delete it and do not share it.
• Do not tolerate this behavior. Your silence may lead others to believe you’re
okay with it.
- If you see something wrong, say something about it. Report those who violate the
law or Navy policy (Chain of command, CMEO)
Remember Social Media is forever. This is your reputation . . . and the
reputation of the U.S. Navy.
• Do not Tweet angry or impassioned.
When in doubt, download the 2019 Navy Social Media Handbook (online),
engage with your chain of command or, simply don’t post it!
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Prohibited Social Media Practices
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
Q: If there have been issues with extremism inside the Department of
Defense for a long time, why is the Secretary of Defense so focused on
this now?
A: The increased level of domestic protests around the country in the past
several months has emboldened some violent extremist groups to take more
aggressive anti-government and racially motivated actions. These groups are
known to actively target current and former military personnel. In light of
current events, the Secretary wants DoD personnel at all levels to understand
the threat and be trained and educated to take appropriate actions when they
see indicators of extremism.
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
Q: My shipmate made a threatening comment about a Senator on
Instagram.
A:
Q: What can I share on social media? Don’t I have the right to free
speech?
A:
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Scenarios for Discussion
Q: My shipmate made a threatening comment about a Senator on
Instagram.
A: Report this behavior to NCIS and your chain of command immediately.
Q: What can I share on social media? Don’t I have the right to free
speech?
A: Your online speech must be consistent with good order and discipline and
not call into question your loyalty to the Constitution. You have the right to
free speech and you can share your opinion - but advocating to illegally
deprive others of their legal rights is not permitted. This could result in
disciplinary or administrative action and jeopardize your security clearance.
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
A:
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Scenarios for Discussion
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Scenarios for Discussion
Q: Is it true that advocating or engaging in extremist behavior could
jeopardize my security clearance?
A:
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Scenarios for Discussion
Q: Is it true that advocating or engaging in extremist behavior could
jeopardize my security clearance?
A: Yes. Examples of conditions that could raise a security concern and
may result in suspension or loss of security clearance include:
(1) supporting or advocating acts of sabotage, espionage, treason,
terrorism, or sedition against the United States or
(2) association or sympathy with anyone that advocates, threatens,
or uses violence or any other illegal means in an effort to
overthrow the government, prevent government personnel from
performing their official duties, gain retribution for perceived
wrongs caused by the government or prevent others from
exercising their rights under the law.
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Reporting Option Recap
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References
SECDEF Memo / 05FEB21 (Stand-Down to Address Extremism in the Ranks)
https://media.defense.gov/2021/Feb/05/2002577485/-1/-1/0/STAND-DOWN-TO-ADDRESS-EXTREMISM-IN-THE-
RANKS.PDF
SECDEF Memo / 16JUL20 (Public Display or Depiction of Flags in the Department of Defense)
https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/17/2002458783/-1/-1/1/200717-FLAG-MEMO-DTD-200716-FINAL.PDF
ALNAV / 010/21 (12FEB21) (Stand-Down to Address Extremism in the Ranks)
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2021/ALN21010.txt
NAVADMIN / 044/21 (Stand-Down to Address Extremism in the Ranks)
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/NAVADMIN-2021/
DoDI 1325.06 / 27NOV09 (Handling Dissident and Protest Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces)
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.pdf?ver=2019-07-01-101152-143
DoD Directive 1344.10 (Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces)
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/134410p.pdf
Navy Regulation Article 1167 / 03SEP97 (Supremacist Activities)
https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/US%20Navy%20Regulations/Chapter%2011%20-%20General%20Regulations.pdf
OPNAVINST 5453.1G (24JUL17) (Navy Equal Opportunity Program Manual)
https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Serv
ices/05-300%20Manpower%20Personnel%20Support/5354.1G.pdf
Manual for Courts-Martial (2019 Edition)
https://jsc.defense.gov/Portals/99/Documents/2019%20MCM%20(Final)%20(20190108).pdf?ver=2019-01-11-115724-610
Uniform Code for Military Justice (contained within Manual for Courts-Martial)
Navy Necessary Conversations Guide Version 2.1 (6 NOV20) (Appendix F to Task Force One Navy Report)
https://media.defense.gov/2021/Jan/26/2002570959/-1/-1/1/TASK%20FORCE%20ONE%20NAVY%20FINAL%20REPORT.PDF
12-Star Message Promulgation of Signature Behaviors of the 21st Century Sailor
https://www.cpf.navy.mil/downloads/2020/02/signature-behaviors.pdf
Director of National Intelligence, Security Executive Agent Directive Four (8 June, 2017) (National Security Adjudicative
Guidelines for Determining Eligibility For Access to Classified Information or Eligibility to Hold a Sensitive Position)
https://www.dni.gov/files/NCSC/documents/Regulations/SEAD-4-Adjudicative-Guidelines-U.pdf
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