Lesson 17-IG Extremism
EXTREMISM AND EXTREMIST ORGANIZATIONS
INSTRUCTORS GUIDE
LESSON NUMBER: 13
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-1)
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-2)
After this lecture and without reference the student will be able to complete the following with no less than 70% accuracy on a written test.
|LESSON OBJECTIVES |LEVEL |
|Discuss Impact on Units and Organizations |Knowledge |
|B. Define Terms Related to Extremism |Comprehension |
|C. Identify Extremist Groups and Organizations |Comprehension |
|D. Identify Extremist Symbols and Tattoos |Comprehension |
|E. Define Marine Corps Policy on Extremism |Knowledge |
SUPPORT MATERIAL AND GUIDANCE
Lesson Focus
The lesson focus is to heighten awareness of the future Equal Opportunity Representatives concerning extremist activities within society. Gain understanding of sources of extremism information, definitions, recruitment of DoD personnel, common themes in extremist ideologies, common characteristics of extremist organizations, DoD policies, and command functions regarding extremist activities.
Student Contributions
Take notes and ask questions to clarify material discussed in the lecture. Demonstrate an understanding of material through class participation and in small group discussions and exercises.
Instructional Method
Lecture 1 Hour
Film: Web of Hate, 40 minutes
New Skinheads, 45 minutes
War Zone, 30 minutes
LEAD IN: The Marine Corps is comprised of members from various cultures, ethnic groups, religions and races from around the world. These various groups contain ideologies that range from extremely tolerant to radical, to ultra militant. While it is the policy of the Marine Corps that participation in extremist activities or organizations is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military services, as leaders, we must be aware there may always be some individuals who still adhere and believe in racial or ethnic superiority or inferiority. By learning more about the ideologies, history and dynamics of supremacist extremist groups, you will have a better understanding of the influences that can affect your members and how their beliefs or actions can affect those of their peers. Understanding these issues will prepare you to better handle the problems you may find facing you with regard to this serious issue in today’s society. Keep in mind any issue within society will likely find its way into the Marine Corps at some point. Extremism and extremist activities are no exception.
It could never happen here — not in our Marine Corps, not in our ranks. The military is a melting pot, a collection of people from all walks of life, from all over the world. Hate is not a part of our world.
That seemed to be the perception before my encounter with ------- who gave me a rude awakening. He presently conducts speaking engagements for organizations like the Anti-Defamation League in conjunction with his private lectures for a handsome fee. You see, ----- prominence is derived from the fact that he was a renowned racist supremacist who, infiltrated the Marine Corps to gain stature and training. During his lectures he regales in telling the story of how he openly recruited for his cause, and that he was well known for his beliefs. The sad part about it was that know one turned him in. After achieving the rank of NCO, ----left the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge and went back to his life of social destruction having gained the level of experience that as he put it, would have taken at least 8-7 years on the street to accomplish.
SHOW FILM: Web of Hate; 45 minutes
PART I. IMPACT ON THE UNIT AND THE MISSION
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-3)
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1. There are two infrastructures considered ‘breeding grounds’ for hate — the military and the prison system. I say this because a lot of extremist groups view the military as a potential way to gain training and to learn military tactics, to share that with the members in their groups. This hidden agenda can make service members very attractive to extremist organizations, and there are several groups active in the Hawaiian islands.
2. The impact of the military presence in extremist groups has become evident. It’s certainly not rampant, I don’t want to exaggerate the statistics, but it does happen. We’ve seen military exercises carried out by paramilitary groups, and we’ve come across individuals who used their training as a (model). Even disregarding military experience, the sheer desire to increase a group’s membership can put service members at risk for recruitment. Essentially, these groups are desperate for membership, recruitment criteria is not extremely high.
3. It’s hard to develop a profile of who is attracted to these organizations, but typically it’s someone searching for a cause, someone who wants to be involved in something, who is disenchanted with society, or frustrated with the system.
a. Extremist groups generally use the same criteria to entice new members. A young, impressionable service member away from home for the first time, struggling to adapt to the military lifestyle, who feels isolated and rejected by his or her peers could make a prime target. While recruitment methods vary from group to group, said most groups seem to find considerable success through the Internet, leafleting and music.
b. The music scene has committed to recruitment and gaining followers, “Oi!” music is a popular form of white-power music that caters to racist Skinheads and punks.
c. Although many people might think it fairly easy to identify a member of an extremist group, it just isn’t so, especially in today’s society. For instance, a typical stereotype for a member of a white supremacist group might be someone wearing a bomber jacket, pants with suspenders, boots and sporting shaved heads and Swastika tattoos.
d. Extremists come from everywhere. It’s so hard to profile members, because it’s so different from person to person. Members have a wide range in socioeconomic, educational and family backgrounds. However, there are some indicators that an individual could be involved with an extremist organization, including a host of new symbols and tattoos, many of which are not easily identifiable symbols anymore.
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-4) (The following ppt is set-up to transition bullets)
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|IMPACT ON UNIT / MISSION |
| |
|Command climate suffers |
|Polarization of groups |
|Undermines confidence |
|Productivity is hampered |
|Unnecessary efforts to recover and time lost |
4. When individuals in the armed services are supportive of extremism, there is an immediate impact on the unit. Even as the mission continues and work is accomplished, the overall command climate changes as it adjusts to the new element. In a lot of instances, even individuals who oppose or disagree will not confront the extreme views of another. They either do not feel directly affected by it or they may fear they may damage the unit’s working environment. However, the unit will divide into opposing factions and when this happens it is no longer efficient, unit cohesion is impacted and the “team concept” of completing the mission is gone. Time and effort are now required to deal with the situation and recover from the effects of the isolation caused by the extremist views in the unit. The following are examples of how the unit is affected:
(Next Bullet)
a. Command climate suffers. If there is a lack of trust and cohesiveness among unit members, morale will suffer, along with unit readiness.
(Next Bullet)
b. Polarization of groups is a logical product of this type of activity within a unit.
Those who support these types of views are unlikely to work close with members of the out-group. (What do we mean by that?)
(Next Bullet)
c. Undermines confidence among unit members.
(Next Bullet)
d. Productivity is hampered and mission accomplishment can be seriously affected.
(Next Bullet)
e. Unnecessary efforts are required to recover from a neglected situation and time is lost. Enormous amount of time must be spent to retrain, counsel, investigate, and corrective action.
PART II. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-5) (The following ppt is set-up to transition bullets)
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|TERMS AND DEFINITIONS |
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|Ideology |
|Supremacist |
|Extremist |
|Extremist Organizations |
|Militia |
|Gangs |
1. Ideology is the key component of any extremist group. Listen to them when they talk; listen to their rhetoric. It will give you a good insight as to whether or not they potentially have membership with a group. As leaders, it is important to be aware of these indicators.
2. By learning more about the ideologies, history and dynamics of extremism, you will have a better understanding of the influences that can affect service members and how their beliefs or actions can affect those of their peers. The following terms and definitions are considered essential elements of information:
(Next Bullet)
a. Ideology. A systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture; a way of thinking used by a group or individual to express their beliefs and social values.
(Next Bullet)
b. Supremacist. Any person(s) maintaining the ideology, quality, state of being, or position of being superior to all others in something.
(Next Bullet)
c. Extremist. A person who advocates the use of force or violence; advocates supremacist causes based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or national origin; or otherwise engages to deprive individuals or groups or their civil rights. Although the most prevalent extremism groups are racist groups — they are not limited to white supremacists; minority groups (including women) have sprung up to counter ideology groups.
(Next Bullet)
d. Extremist Organizations. A group, which advocates the use of force or violence, advocates supremacist causes; based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or national origin; or otherwise engages in efforts to deprive individuals or groups of their civil rights.
(Next Bullet)
e. Militia. A body of soldiers not permanently organized in time of peace. Many militia organizations have been formed because of their objection to national or local government (anti-democratic) policies or programs.
(Next Bullet)
f. Gangs. A group of individuals who band together, usually along racial or ethnic lines. Generally, gangs are prone to violent behavior.
PART III. EXTREMIST GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-6) (The following ppt is set-up to transition bullets)
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|EXTREMIST ORGANIZATIONS |
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|Identity (Creationism) |
|White Supremacy Ideology |
|Patriotism-Survival Ideology |
1. The majority of extremist groups and organizations have a predominant theme of superiority of one race over the other. This theme can also be applied to ethnicity and religious groups. Some of these groups and organizations proclaim violence as a means to achieve their goals, while others use pseudo-religious themes from their own interpretation of the bible. Most of these groups develop ideologies in an attempt to justify, legitimize and rationalize one particular version of reality despite other explanations and ideas. Ideology is also a way of thinking used by a group to express their beliefs and social values. Christian Conservatism is closely tied to many of the extremist groups and organizations. While the following groups are not representative of all extremist groups, a large portion that we are most familiar with generally fall into one of the three following categories:
(Next Bullet)
a. Identity (Creationism). Followers of this ideology tend to believe the Jews are the descendants of Satan, and white Anglo-Saxons are the true Israelites, “God’s chosen people,” and the sons of Adam and the descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel. They also believe in an impending worldwide race war which only whites will survive in the protection and maintenance of God’s nation. The identity movement views the bible as the true ‘word of god’ and was written for specific people (the white race). The true literal children of the bible are the tribes of Israel to whom God promised a new land, a promised land, which identity churches identify as the United States. These children of God (colonist) were ordered to occupy their land, to cleanse it of Satan’s children and ‘sin’, which is the evil power of Satan.
(Next Bullet)
b. White Supremacy Ideology. The Christian Conservative “Identity” explanation of the diverse races of mankind is grounded in Biblical interpretation. According to this ideology, the white race is directly descended from Adam. The Jews are held to be the sons of Cain who was the issue of Eve after her original sin. Thus, Cain was the son of Satan and all of his descendants are the “spawn of the devil.” The ultra-conservative Christian churches use Identity ideology to base theories of white superiority and the duty of whites to survive and defend the U.S. identity, thus ties closely to this ideology and carries into the thought of white supremacy. Keep in mind many right wing groups deny their ideology of white supremacy. Instead, they are concerned with “racial purity,” the safeguarding of the existence and reproduction of the white race. This is a facade of the white supremacist groups to try to convince people to believe they are only concerned with “racial purity,” however; they are the first to decry “reverse discrimination” and preach Anti-Semitism and anti-black doctrines.
(Next Bullet)
c. Patriotism-Survival Ideology. Protection of basic Constitutional freedoms is the major theme of the Patriot-Survivalist groups. It is more so the preservation of the Anglo-Saxon, “American-type culture” which the founders of our nation secured for all whites. A lot of members are considered Christian Conservative and White Supremacist. The members point blame of economic troubles, including unemployment, on refugees, Jews, Blacks, illegal aliens, Cubans and all other non-white groups. Much of their propaganda is tied to white supremacy ideology and an inevitable race war will occur. Traitors, meaning white Anglo-Saxons who do not hold the same beliefs are often noted in their literature.
3. Lets take a look at the national and regional maps that show known organizations throughout the country as of 2003.
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-7 thru 13-11)
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PART IV. ORGANIZATION SYMBOLS
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-12)
[pic]
1. Organizations continually adopt new symbols. One of the common trends is— ‘hijacking’ symbols from historical periods and giving them new meaning. Symbols are the most powerful communication tools that have ever existed.
a. They have the ability to convey so much meaning, intent and significance in such a compact, immediately recognizable form, the effect that they have is tremendous. One need only reflect on the reverence or passion that symbols ranging from the American flag to the Star of David to the Christian cross to the Red Cross can evoke to be able to understand exactly how powerful a symbol can be.
b. Unfortunately, symbols also convey negative connotations as well as positive. Some symbols are meant to convey feelings of hate or anger, or meant to instill in those who see the symbols feelings of fear and insecurity. Hate symbols, for instance, can be found scrawled on the outside walls of synagogues, churches and schools; tattooed on the bodies of white supremacists; or displayed on jewelry or clothing.
c. These symbols give extremists a sense of power and belonging, as well as a quick way of identifying others who share their beliefs. Lets review some of the most common symbols connected to extremist groups.
2. Lets examine some of the more prominent EXTREMIST GROUP SYMBOLS:
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-13 thru 13-20)
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(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-21)
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3. The next group of slides depicts “known” HATE SYMBOLS”! These symbols may also be seen as tattoos. What you are about to see should be considered general in nature. Some of these symbols have a different meaning to different people. We deal with a lot of situations where certain symbols are sociably accepted by some individuals, but offensive to others.
DISCUSSION POINT: No immediate assumption should be made when strange or suspicious symbols are observed. However, they should be considered a warning signal and worth checking into further. When in doubt, always consult an EOA or Staff Judge Advocates for clarification and guidance.
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-22 thru 13-29)
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]
4. Now if you haven’t taken me serious about extremist infiltration and the connection of tattoos, well then, these pictures will say a 1000 words.
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-30 thru 13-34) (Slides were purposely left out of the IG due to file size of graphics.)
PART V. MARINE CORPS POLICY ON EXTREMISM AND EXTREMIST ORGANIZATIONS
(SHOW PPT SLIDE #13-35) (The following ppt is set-up to transition bullets)
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|MARINE CORPS POLICY |
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|Participation |
|Prohibitions |
|Command Authority |
|Command Options |
|Command Responsibility |
1. It is the policy of the Marine Corps to provide equal opportunity and treatment for all members without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. Based on this philosophy, participation in extremist organizations or activities is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military service. Military personnel must reject participation in extremist organizations and activities. Extremist organizations and activities are one that advocate racial, gender, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, or national origin; advocate the use of force or violence, or unlawful means to deprive individuals of their rights under the United States Constitution or the laws of the United States or any State; or advocate or seek to overthrow the Government of the United States, or any States by unlawful means.
DISCUSSION POINT: Review handout #13-1 and transition to each bullet on the slide.
STUDENT HANDOUT #13-1
MARINE CORPS POLICY ON EXTREMIST ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Participation in extremist organizations or activities is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military service. It is the policy of the Marine Corps to provide equal opportunity and treatment for all members without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Enforcement of the Marine Corps’s equal opportunity policy is a responsibility of command, is vitally important to unit cohesion and morale, and is essential to the Marine Corps’s ability to accomplish it’s mission. It is the commander’s responsibility to maintain good order and discipline in the unit. Every commander has the inherent authority to take appropriate actions to accomplish this goal. This paragraph identifies prohibited actions by members involving extremist organizations or activities, discusses the authority of the commander to establish other prohibitions, and establishes that violation of the prohibitions contained in this paragraph or those established by a commander may result in prosecution under various provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This paragraph must be used in conjunction with DoD Directive 1325.6, Subject: Guidelines for Handling Dissident and Protest Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces.
a. Participation. Military personnel must reject participation in extremist organizations and activities. Extremist organizations and activities are one that advocate racial, gender or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal of or use force or violence or unlawful means to deprive individuals of their rights under the United States Constitution or laws of the United States or any State; or advocate or seek to overthrow the Government of the United States, or any States by unlawful means.
b. Prohibitions. Members are prohibited from following actions in support of extremist organizations or activities. Penalties for violations of these prohibitions include the full range of statutory and regulatory sanctions, both criminal (UCMJ) and administrative.
(1) Participating in a public demonstration or rally;
(2) Attending a meeting or activity with knowledge that the meeting or activity involves an extremist cause when on duty, when in uniform, when in a foreign country (whether on or off duty or in uniform), when it constitutes a breach of law and order, when violence is likely to result, or when violation of off-limits sanctions or a commander’s order;
3) Fund raising;
(4) Recruiting or training members (including encouraging other members to join);
(5) Creating, organizing, or taking a visible leadership role in such an organization or activity; or
(6) Distributing literature on or off a military installation the primary purpose and content of which concerns advocacy or support of extremist causes, organizations, or activities and it appears that the literature presents a clear danger to the loyalty, discipline, or morale of military personnel, or if the distribution would materially interfere with the accomplishment of a military mission.
c. Command authority. Commanders have the authority to prohibit military personnel from engaging in or participating in any other activities that the commander determines will adversely affect good order and discipline or morale within the command. This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to order the removal of symbols, flags, posters, or other displays from barracks, to place areas or activities off-limits ( see MCO 5370.4B and DoD Directive 1325.6, Subject: Guidelines for Handling Dissident and Protest Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces ), or to order members not to participate in those activities that are contrary to good order and discipline or morale of the unit or pose a threat to health, safety, and security of military personnel or a military installation.
d. Command options. Commander’s options for dealing with a member’s violation of the prohibitions include --
(1) UCMJ action. Possible violations include --
(a) Article 92 -- Violation of or failure to obey a lawful general order or regulation (for example, participation in demonstrations, distribution of literature without approval, or unlawful discrimination).
(b) Article 116 -- Riot or breach of peace.
(c) Article 117 -- Provoking speeches or gestures.
(d) Article 134 -- General article, specifically, conduct which is prejudicial to good order and discipline or service discrediting.
(2) Involuntary separation for unsatisfactory performance or misconduct, or for conduct deemed prejudicial to good order and discipline or morale.
(3) Reclassification actions or bar to reenlistment actions, as appropriate.
(4) Other administrative or disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the commander, based on the specific facts and circumstances of the particular case.
e. Command responsibility. Any member involvement with or in an extremist organization or activity, such as membership, receipt of literature, or presence at an event, could threaten the good order and discipline of a unit. In any case of apparent member involvement with or in extremist organizations or activities, whether or not violative of the prohibitions in subparagraph b, commanders must take positive actions to educate members, putting them on notice of the potential adverse effects that participation violation of Marine Corps policy may have upon good order and discipline in the unit and upon their military service. These positive actions include --
(1) Educating members regarding the Marine Corps’s equal opportunity policy. Commanders will advise members that extremist organizations’ goals are inconsistent with Marine Corps goals, beliefs, and values concerning equal opportunity.
(2) Advising members that any participation in extremist organizations or activities:
(a) Will be taken into consideration when evaluating their overall duty performance, to include appropriate remarks on evaluation reports.
(b) Will be taken into consideration when selections for positions of leadership and responsibility are made.
(c) Will result in removal of security clearances, where appropriate.
(d) Will result in reclassification actions or bar to reenlistment actions as appropriate.
(3) The commander of a military installation or other military controlled facility under the jurisdiction of the United States shall prohibit any demonstration or activity on the installation or facility that could result in interference with or prevention of orderly accomplishment of the mission on the installation or facility, or present a clear danger to loyalty, discipline, or morale of the troops. Further, such commanders shall deny requests for the use of military controlled facilities by individuals or groups that engage in discriminatory practices or for activities involving such practices.
f. Commanders should seek the advice and counsel of their legal advisor when taking actions pursuant to this paragraph.
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