Data suggests U.S. extremists with military backgrounds has increased

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Recent data suggests U.S. extremists with military backgrounds has increased over the last five years.

According to data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, the number of people with military backgrounds who have committed crimes on behalf of their extremists views has increased in the last five years.

While military members can hold different roles, all undergo some form of combat training. All, to some degree, are trained to kill. Army veteran and behavioral therapist Angel Peltz said transitioning to civilian life can be difficult for people leaving the military and they may struggle with mental health, even suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

“When you are trained to do something for so long – you have people that have been in the military for 30 years and that’s all they know,” she said. “So when they come out, there are incidents that end up happening and unfortunately we have the incident that happened in New Orleans.”

Peltz said former military members can feel isolated and misunderstood. She believes mental health care for people leaving the military can help them transition and lessen the likelihood of falling down extremist paths.

“I would like to say that if you are a veteran, disabled or not, that if you were feeling suicidal or homicidal, that you need to make sure that you know that the veterans crisis line is available,” she said. “911 is available. They will be there. They’re not there to judge you.”

You can find more information about resources for veterans here.

Wounded Warrior Project information is here.