Fort Riley joins effort to combat extremism within the military

Fort Riley has begun a 60-day military stand down for violent extremism.

The move is part of a Department of Defense-wide effort in response to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Building riot, which involved several active-duty military personnel.

Perry Wiggins, Governor’s Military Council executive director, says the stand down gives military leaders a chance to address the issue with their units.

“I think they’re going to address extremism because there’s no place for extremism in the ranks of the United States military,” Wiggins said. “All military members raise their right hand and swear to defend the Constitution of the United States and that’s where the loyalty lies, is to the nation.”

He says it’s important for soldiers to conform to the military’s values.

“I think the army is a great place for people to come in and really find out about themselves and change and serve something bigger than themselves,” Wiggins said. “But unfortunately, we have some that don’t do that, that are selfish and think only about themselves.”

According to DOD officials, they are still figuring out how to address the issue as an institution.