Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin orders military-wide 'stand down' to address extremism within ranks

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a "stand down" during which the military will pause other activities to focus on addressing extremism and white nationalism within its ranks. More than 20 current or former military members have been arrested in connection with the assault on the U.S. Capitol. Washington Post reporter Missy Ryan joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.

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[dbergerac]

The point is to instill fear in the troops about speaking to others about their concerns. It worked for other totalitarian governments who had limited support in the military.

[IronskullGM]

A stand down to purge extremists is understandable. To purge based on partisan lines is an unlawful order. Military is required to remain nonpartisan by design.

[omgitslilly]

As a vet, from a family of vets..
IAM SICKENED!

[patrickmitchell]

If they audit local sheriffs they will be shocked how pervasive this behavior is.

[ericwinnick]

Our members of the military take an oath to the constitution not to a government official. This is what they did in the Soviet Union, loyalty was number one

[julianclark]

Don't the forces take an oath to protect the Constitution ?

[deepstar]

Need to do the same thing throughout the law enforcement and judicial system.

[janellecoleman]

The military NEEDS to do more to address rape and sexual assault... not just domestic extremism.

[HOutdoor]

Sounds like the criminals are getting scared of the justice coming!

[mehere]

Since when is upholding the constitution of the United States of America a stand down situation

[jeffreyweaver]

Going after individual members is reasonable when they ACT in a manner that disgraces the Military. Going after people because they merely have an opposing view to that of the current administration but do nothing improper is itself improper at the very least!

[docmartin]

If you don't like nationalism, then, what do you like? And, what does skin color have to do with it?

[HiThere-scjr]

Goodbye morale. THIS US A "PURGE." Nothing more, nothing
Less. People will leave voluntarily
When their time is up.

[Skylar_Spirit]

Im active duty myself, please dont make me sit through hours of powerpoint slides and do " check the block " training. The drill sergeant cant change 18 years of bad parenting, if you expect the Government to do this your wrong.

[CarlosSanchez-fjnj]

This same thing happened in Cuba I thought it could never happened in America 🇺🇸

[garygogo]

One more wedge to divide the
Country.

[CarlosSanchez-fjnj]

Divide and conquer and don’t forget to put the one that hates the most leader of your military

[johnponsonby]

Affirmative action is alive and well in this admin.

[JtstepLive]

I’ve had tons of stand downs when I was in. This isn’t unusual at all usually if a soldier takes his life in a brigade they do a post wide stand down. For troops to sit down with command and talk about those problems.

[lakieshaolden]

Now they need to do that with the police as well