The U.S. Army has recently issued new guidelines to address extremism within its ranks, specifically targeting online behavior and displays of extremist views. The updated memo on Handling Protest, Extremist, and Criminal Gang Activities clarifies that distributing extremist materials online, including liking, sharing, and re-tweeting such content, is prohibited. Soldiers who display paraphernalia, words, or symbols supporting extremist activity, whether on or off a military installation, can face disciplinary action.
The memo outlines specific criteria for defining extremism, such as advocating unlawful force, supporting terrorism, or encouraging discrimination. Army commands have various options for addressing soldiers promoting extremist views, including legal action under the uniformed code of military justice or adverse administrative actions.
A second memo focuses on reporting suspected prohibited activity, establishing a process for notifying appropriate authorities within specific timeframes. Commanders are instructed to annotate a soldier’s record if they are convicted of engaging in extremist activities. Additionally, commanders are advised to remind soldiers to avoid extremist behavior and consider mental health evaluations for those showing signs of potential involvement in extremism. Please rephrase this sentence.
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