Pentagon-Funded Study on Military Extremism Criticized for Flawed Data and Misleading Conclusions

An AP investigation reveals that a $900,000 report downplayed extremism in the military by using outdated data and ignoring key evidence.

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) conducted a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military, but relied on outdated data and flawed methodology.
The report underestimated the number of military-affiliated individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, citing figures that were over two years old at the time of publication.
AP's investigation found that military members and veterans are radicalizing at a faster rate than civilians, with active-duty personnel disproportionately represented in extremist cases since 2017.
IDA declined to use more comprehensive and updated data offered by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) during its research process.
Critics argue the report's findings undermine efforts to address extremism in the ranks, with some viewing it as a politically motivated attempt to downplay the issue.