Jesse Moss, a director known for his faux-documentary exploring coup scenarios, and Peter Strzok, former FBI Counterintelligence director, engage in a riveting conversation. They discuss the chilling premise of a military coup simulation set for 2025. Moss reveals how blending improv and documentary filmmaking enhances authenticity, while Strzok shares insights on extremism in military recruitment. They also explore the interplay of political violence and accountability in the context of military justice reform, weaving a narrative that scrutinizes America's current political climate.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's military justice reform has shifted serious crime prosecutions away from the chain of command, enhancing accountability.
The documentary 'War Game' illustrates the potential dangers of extremism in the military, urging proactive dialogue on internal threats and radicalization.
Deep dives
Military Justice Reform Efforts
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has tirelessly campaigned for reform in how the military prosecutes serious crimes, particularly sexual assaults. Historically, cases were handled internally, often resulting in inadequate justice compared to civilian standards. Despite facing consistent opposition, Gillibrand's efforts culminated in the passing of legislation that removes significant crimes from the chain of command's control, empowering military prosecutors instead. Initial data suggests a decline in sexual assaults, indicating a potential positive effect of the newly implemented reforms.
The Challenges of Legislative Reform
The passage of military justice reform faced significant hurdles, including resistance from key Senate committee members, which hindered the bill's progress. Even with majority support, the bill was repeatedly blocked until it eventually gained traction during a military appropriations bill. Gillibrand highlights that post-passage, the focus now shifts to rigorous implementation and monitoring to ensure compliance and effectiveness of the new law. She emphasizes the importance of creating a less toxic environment in the military to improve retention and recruitment efforts.
Dystopian Scenarios Explored in "War Game"
A documentary titled "War Game" creatively presents a hypothetical situation where the U.S. faces an internal threat, remarkable in its exploration of military and political reactions. Notable personalities, including former officials and policy experts, were involved in a simulated scenario to visualize how leadership would respond to an insurrection-like event. The documentary is framed to encourage viewers to contemplate potential extremism impacting the military and how it manifests in political spheres. The exercise aimed to provoke thoughtful discussion about contemporary threats while highlighting the importance of proactive measures against radicalization.
Navigating Extremism and Political Cohesion
The documentary underscores the ongoing concern of extremism within military ranks and the need for awareness and response strategies. Participants emphasized that just a few individuals acting in unison could create significant disturbances, highlighting the imperative to monitor radicalization closely. There is recognition of the fine balance required in addressing real threats while avoiding undue alarmism about the military's integrity. Through this exploration, the creators advocate for informed dialogue on extremism, aiming for a clear-eyed understanding of risk without resorting to panic or misinformation.
A new faux-documentary posits a terrifying potential scenario: it's January 6, 2025, and the US government has to confront rogue members of the US military attempting a coup. War Game's stars include veterans of five Presidential administrations who participate in an unscripted exercise to quash the insurrection. We're joined by Director Jesse Moss, and one the film's stars, Peter Strzok, the former FBI Counterintelligence director who led the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election. Also on the show, Kirsten Gillibrand discusses a new era of military justice.