U.S. Army Training Materials Label Anti-Abortion Groups as 'Terrorist'

Senior U.S. Army officials confirmed on Thursday that training materials identifying prominent anti-abortion organizations as “terrorist groups” have been in use for at least seven years. This revelation follows a House and Senate inquiry into leaked training slides from a seminar at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth informed Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) that these materials have been utilized by the Directorate of Emergency Services to prepare soldiers for installation access duties. The leaked presentation specifically labeled the National Right to Life Committee and Operation Rescue as “terrorist groups,” while also categorizing common anti-abortion tactics—such as demonstrations, picketing, and sidewalk counseling—as dangerous. Notably, the slides included “Choose Life” license plates as potential threats, which are sold in various states to support crisis pregnancy centers. The House Armed Services Committee expressed shock at the content, describing it as “truly shocking” and “absurd.” In response to the controversy, Budd and Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) urged Wormuth to ensure that similar materials are not disseminated across other military installations. Wormuth acknowledged the importance of political neutrality within the Army, emphasizing her commitment to this principle among military personnel and political appointees. Budd condemned the situation as “totally outrageous and unacceptable,” while former President Donald Trump criticized perceived left-wing ideologies in the military during a recent speech, asserting that the military is not “woke” but rather influenced by misguided leadership.