Auburn Times

On July 13, 2024, U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Jim Banks (IN-03), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, led their Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army. The letter demanded answers regarding a Directorate of Emergency Services (DES) training held at Fort Liberty that characterized pro-life organizations as terrorist groups.

Joining Rep. Banks and Chairman Rogers in signing the letter were Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-09), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Mike Turner (OH-10), Rob Wittman (VA-1), Austin Scott (GA-08), Sam Graves (MO-06), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Mike Waltz (FL-06), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Dale Strong (AL-05), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Cory Mills (FL-07), Rich McCormick(GA–06) and Clay Higgins(LA–03).

In their letter, the members expressed their outrage at the DES training that labeled several prominent pro-life groups as violent extremists. "The training also indicated the members of these organizations are threats to the safety of military installations and designated symbols of pro-life groups, including state-issued pro-life license plates, as indicators of terrorism," they wrote. They emphasized that this characterization was shocking for an organization committed to treating everyone with "dignity and respect."

The members urged the Army to issue a correction to all servicemembers who received this briefing and implement rules to prevent similar claims in the future. They also called for disciplinary action against those responsible for spreading such claims. Additionally, they requested a reassessment of Army Directive 2024–07 to ensure it does not label conservative and religious beliefs as extremist activities.

They further criticized the broad policy outlined in Army Directive 2024–07, suggesting it polices conservative speech within the military. The directive was seen as requiring servicemembers with conservative ideals to hide their identities due to fear of retaliation.

Concerns were raised about training conducted for 47 uniformed soldiers tasked with guarding access points at Fort Liberty. The members argued that labeling pro-life license plates as terrorist threats could lead to unnecessary confrontations and profiling based on political leanings.

The letter concluded by requesting detailed answers by July 25, 2024, regarding various aspects of the DES training's approval process, its implementation across other Army installations, and how it aligns with Department of Defense anti-terrorism guidance.

The Committee on Armed Services maintains oversight jurisdiction over the Department of Defense under Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

"We look forward to your prompt response," they stated in closing.