AP Uncovers Flawed Pentagon Study on Military Extremism Using Outdated Data

An Associated Press investigation found that Pentagon-funded research often used to downplay military radicalism, used outdated data and poor methodology.

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) found that military fanatics were not overrepresented in the public. The AP said that the study used Capitol insurrection arrest counts from January 2021, disregarding subsequent data that dramatically quadrupled military arrests.

The assessment published in December 2023 found 209 military arrests in connection with the January 6 attack, up from IDA's 82. These arrests comprised 15.2% of total charges, exceeding IDA's early estimates. According to the START study, the rate has risen to 18%.

Military people radicalize faster than civilians, and extremist plans involving service members often result in mass casualties, according to START. START researcher Michael Jensen claims IDA neglected more thorough data during study development.

The IDA assessment notably ignored contractors and defense civilians participating in extremist incidents, casting doubt on its rigor. Critics argue the findings, used by Pete Hegseth to downplay extremism, harm attempts to address a rising national security issue.

The Department of Defense hasn't commented on the report but pledged to combat extremism.

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