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Defense officials are looking for new ways to screen social media as part of its background check process, according to a report from Military.com.
The screenings would be meant to help prevent extremist beliefs or behavior from infiltrating the ranks. It comes as units across the force take part in a military-wide stand down to address extremism ordered by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Austin ordered the pause following reports that some service members and veterans took part in the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
According to Military.com, service members and Defense Department civilians consent to having their publicly available social media information reviewed when they submit the form to begin a background investigation.
But officials appear prepared to take a much more aggressive approach to monitoring troops’ social media.
Service members are allowed to express their own political opinions, but must follow certain guidelines and are not allowed to advocate for “supremacist, extremist or criminal gang doctrine, ideology and causes.” They must also not advocate for violence or sedition against the government.
Despite those rules, many extremist groups recruit from the military and law enforcement, seeking members that can lend them credibility in the eyes of others.
Service members found to be part of those groups could face the loss of security clearances and do so at risk of their careers.
Some believe the military may add social media checks to systems that already track clearance holders, designed to flag financial trouble, criminal arrests or drug or alcohol problems, according to the report.
