ViewpointsOpinionPolitical Litmus Test for US Military Is Unnecessary, Unprecedented, and DangerousSaveMark Us Preferred on GooglePrintThe Pentagon logo behind the podium in the briefing room at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 8, 2020. Al Drago/ReutersSteven Rogers2/8/2021|Updated: 2/9/2021CommentaryFollowing the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a “stand down” by all military units to give commanders time to address “extremism” in their ranks. We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.