Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation and former U.S. Marine captain, discusses the alarming results of the War Game simulation, which explores a coup scenario sparked by January 6. She reveals motivations behind understanding veteran involvement in extremism and the implications for national security. The conversation touches on misinformation, military counterintelligence, and the challenges of addressing rising violence within polarized politics. Janessa highlights the urgent need for public accountability and principled leadership in these turbulent times.
The podcast emphasizes the troubling involvement of veterans in the January 6th riot, indicating a potential organized extremist movement ahead.
It highlights the military's difficulty in addressing extremism due to politicization, urging acknowledgment from Congress for effective reforms.
Deep dives
The Aftermath of January 6th and Rising Extremism
The podcast discusses the implications of the January 6th Capitol riot, suggesting it may not have been an isolated incident but rather a precursor to a more organized movement of extremists. The participation of a significant number of veterans in the riot raises alarms about the potential for future insurrections involving active military personnel. The influence of extremist groups on veterans is emphasized, highlighting concerns that these organizations see veterans as valuable assets to further their agendas due to their respected status in society. This urgent feedback led a group of national security experts to stage a war game that reimagines an insurrection involving military personnel, revolving around the thesis that a small number of troops could work in concert with extremists to create chaos.
Development and Execution of the War Game
The planning and execution of the war game involved input from a bipartisan group of high-ranking military and law enforcement officials, spurred by an op-ed from retired generals warning of extremism within the armed forces. Organizers from the Vet Voice Foundation successfully mobilized numerous respected figures to participate, underscoring the serious intent behind the exercise. The scenario aimed to immerse participants in a stressful and chaotic environment where they would strategically respond to insurrectionist threats, providing insights into their decision-making processes under extreme pressure. The experience was designed to be realistic, revealing how challenges from misinformation and competing advice can hinder effective leadership in crisis situations.
Challenges of Addressing Extremism in the Military
The conversation explores the military's struggle to confront the rise of extremism within its ranks due to politicization and polarization surrounding the issue. The podcast highlights that recognizing this problem is complicated by political pressures, making it difficult for military leaders to address potential threats without facing backlash. Additionally, it asserts that the military reflects broader societal issues, suggesting that any problems related to extremism are also present within the ranks, making proactive measures essential. Participants in the war game recognized this complexity, calling for greater acknowledgment of the issue from Congress to facilitate necessary reforms and discussions.
