ABC News Daily Why are more military veterans being radicalised?
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Jan 3, 2025 Todd Helmus, a military extremism expert at the RAND think tank, sheds light on the troubling rise of violent extremism among military veterans. He discusses the unsettling link between veteran service and recent violent incidents in the U.S. Helmus highlights the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life, making them vulnerable to extremist groups. He also explores the interplay between mental health and radicalization, emphasizing the need for supportive measures to combat this growing issue.
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Veteran Extremism on the Rise
- Veteran involvement in extremist violence is increasing, according to data from the University of Maryland's terrorism research center.
- The exact reasons for this rise and the connection to military service in the recent attacks remain unclear.
Factors Contributing to Veteran Extremism
- The difficult transition from military to civilian life, marked by loss of structure and social connection, can make veterans vulnerable to extremism.
- Extremist groups actively target veterans for their experience, perceived legitimacy, and action-oriented nature.
Mental Health and Extremism
- Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can play a significant role in veteran extremism, as evidenced by the suicide in the Las Vegas attack.
- However, many individuals engage in such attacks without any diagnosed mental health problems.