3rd Special Forces Group's prior use of Nazi symbol comes to light after social media post
FORT LIBERTY — A Fort Liberty unit is under fire after a National Guard unit posted an image with a Nazi patch that was previously unofficially used by the 3rd Special Forces Group.
Army Times and Task & Purpose reported late last month that the 20th Special Forces Group of Birmingham, Alabama, shared and deleted a photo late last month of a soldier wearing a patch that depicts a Nazi Schutzstaffel skull symbol, known as a Totenkopf, which was used by Adolf Hitler’s top units.
In follow-up reports, a spokesman for the 1st Special Forces Command confirmed to the outlets that the patch was previously an unofficial emblem for the Fort Liberty-based 3rd Special Forces Group but was banned by the group’s leaders in 2022.
Hate symbols and political speech on Fort Liberty?
Following the reports, media outlets including The Fayetteville Observer received an anonymous email March 31, which alleged the use of racist and political symbols used by special operation forces soldiers.
The email also included photographs, purportedly taken of vehicles on Fort Liberty, which showed bumper stickers stating: “Joe’s Gotta Go,” “Let’s Go Brandon,” and "We the People" with a logo for a far-right, anti-government militia.
The Associated Press reported in October 2021 that “Let’s go Brandon,” is a slang phrase cursing at President Joe Biden, after officials misheard a crowd at an event the president was at in October 2021.
In August 2021, the special operations Trauma 3 medical course changed its unofficial logo because it resembled one used by an extremist group.
A student in the course reported that it resembled a symbol used by the extremist group the Three Percenters.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Three Percenters are part of the militia movement, which supports the idea of a small number of dedicated “patriots” protecting Americans from government tyranny. The concept is based on “an inaccurate historical claim that only three percent of Americans fought in the Revolutionary War against the British," according to the ADL.
The Fayetteville Observer reached out this month to Fort Liberty’s garrison, 18th Airborne Corps and U.S. Army Special Operations Command to ask what symbols are banned from post and received one response on behalf of all three groups.
Below are questions and responses, which have been edited for clarity.
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Can we receive a list of the symbols soldiers are prohibited from displaying?
A: Fort Liberty Garrison does not maintain a list of banned symbols specific to the installation. Nor do we maintain a list of symbols/patches banned by tenant units on post.
There are Department of Defense policies and guidance prohibiting service members and government employees from participation in extremist organizations/activities.
Soldiers and government civilians on Fort Liberty are expected to follow DOD policies and conduct themselves in a professional manner to reflect military values and inspire public confidence in our nation’s armed forces.
What happens to a soldier if they're seen wearing or having these banned symbols?
A: Commanders have the authority and responsibility to prohibit service members from active participation in extremist activities and other activities that adversely affect good order and discipline within the command.
This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to order the removal of symbols, flags, posters, or other displays from military-controlled areas, and to order service members not to participate in activities that are contrary to the good order and discipline of the unit, or pose a threat to the health, safety, and security of military personnel or a military installation.
Do soldiers receive any training about extremist groups and hate symbols and/or updates on symbols previously not known to be affiliated with hate and extremist groups?
A: Training on prohibited activities is included in initial active-duty training, pre-commissioning training, professional military education, commander training, and other appropriate training programs.
Service members are made aware that they are subject to military discipline at all times. Any activity that involves violence or civil disobedience may be punishable under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.
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Do policies that prohibit making political statements in uniform cover bumper stickers, T-shirts, etc. on a soldier's personal property like their car or person while on post?
A: Commanders have the authority to order the removal of symbols, flags, posters, or other displays from military-controlled areas that are contrary to the good order and discipline of the unit, or pose a threat to the health, safety, and security of military personnel or a military installation.
Service members should only display symbols that are consistent with Army values and demonstrate dignity and respect for self and others.
Anything else to add on this?
A: The majority of our service members and government employees serve Fort Liberty and the Army with honor and integrity. They respect the oath they took to support and defend the Constitution and we are grateful for that dedication.
We are aware that a single symbol can have an outsized impact. We will continue to rely on unit commanders and leadership to identify and address any acts that are contrary to good order and discipline, as well as morale and public perception.
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fort Liberty: These hate and political statement symbols are banned
