DoD tightens rules on extremist groups Published June 14, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Kasey Grindrod 310th Space Wing Equal Opportunity Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Department of Defense issued updates Nov. 27 to its 1325.06 instruction that prohibits not only servicemember participation in certain organizations, but also actively advocating supremacist doctrine, ideology or causes. The new instruction on dissident and protest activity, the first change to the rules since 1996, includes prohibiting armed forces members from publication of supremacist doctrines, including websites, blogs or any other electronic communication. Servicemembers may publish their opinions electronically if they do not use government resources, it is during off-duty hours, and the subject matter does not violate law or policy. Rex Jones, director of equal opportunity at Peterson Air Force Base, said he believes this change will have little to no impact on the 21st Space Wing's human relations climate, but that does not mean the potential does not exist. "Racism is still a serious problem in America," said Mr. Jones. "Hate groups have taken a back seat to terrorism. But, they are still there, active and prepared to rear their ugly heads once again." The directive was spurred by the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, in which Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly shot and killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. The updated instruction had been broadened so that it clearly applies to all types of violent extremism. It was reported that U.S. intelligence agencies were aware Major Hasan was using websites, e-mail, and other electronic means to communicate with al Qaeda members. According to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the use of social networking sites; such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; by militant and hate groups grew almost 20 percent in the last year. Under the updated instruction, commanders have the authority to employ administrative and disciplinary actions against military members who engage in dissident or protest activity, including on social networking sites. Maj. Joseph Musacchia, 21st Security Forces Squadron commander, said that in the event a member was using websites, blogs, or e-mail to communicate prohibited supremacist doctrine, ideology, or causes, he would employ remedies in accordance with Article 92 of the UCMJ. "The government does not have room for, and will not tolerate, that type of behavior," Mr. Jones said.