14 February 2024 , 18:00
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Far-right groups are actively recruiting armed forces veterans by contacting them on social media and through charities, experts warned.
An alarming report also found there are "significant gaps" in identifying right-wing extremists in the police and military, posing a "significant risk" of dangerous ideologies spreading. A report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) said that far-right groups "strategically infiltrate" security forces, pointing to dozens of cases where far-right sympathisers were identified.
Lack of support when people leave makes them vulnerable to extremists, the report states. It said there are widespread concerns about radicalisation within armed forces following the pro-Donald Trump siege in 2022 and cases in Germany. It said police and military services need training programmes to tackle "hypermasculinity and racism".
Some 40 Army, Navy and RAF personnel were investigated over alleged extremism between 2019 and 2022, while 20 MoD figures were referred to the Prevent programme in 2019 and 2020 - 18 of them accused of far-right activities. The RUSI document pointed to remarks by army veteran Alek Yerbury, "commanding officer" of the far-right National Support Detachment, who claimed his views were shaped in the military.
It added that "dehumanising training approaches", often including "racist language and stereotypes" can sometimes be used. The report also warns that disaffected veterans lacking support are specifically targeted by extremists.
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It said: "Individuals leaving the forces can lack support, including assistance with mental health needs resulting from their service, and may be at risk of being enticed by the sense of belonging and familiar organisational structure that far-right groups claim to offer.
"Far-right groups have attempted to exploit this vulnerability, directly contacting former service personnel via social media and charities."
Patrik Hermansson, Senior Researcher at HOPE not hate said: “HOPE not hate has consistently raised the alarm over individuals we’ve found in the military who are members of the far right. These people are attracted to the military through ideas of masculinity and the access to weaponry which is incredibly concerning as it means that the far right could have a greater capacity for committing acts of violence.
"Proper background checks and training needs to take place within the military to thoroughly vet new recruits and equip decision makers to challenge far-right ideas.”
An MOD spokeswoman said far-right hatred is not tolerated within the armed forces. She said: “We do not tolerate extremism in any form and are committed to stamping out any unacceptable behaviour in our Armed Forces. In all cases, we take early action to confront and challenge conduct that fall short of the high standards expected.
“As part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy, the Ministry of Defence works with partners within the national PREVENT strategy to prevent vulnerable individuals from being drawn into extremism and terrorism.”