This guide explains how veterans and military families can use their unique position and respect in communities to defend democracy. Veterans took an oath to protect the Constitution, and today they face threats from extremist groups trying to recruit them with false information. The article shows how veterans can fight back by using their credibility to persuade others about democracy, connecting with active military and police to encourage them to stand up for democratic values, and using their military training and discipline to organize for positive change.
It also explains how veterans can build bridges across political divides since they come from all backgrounds. The guide includes examples from history where veterans led civil rights movements and protected protesters. It provides links to case studies from around the world showing how military members defended democracy, plus resources about efforts to keep politics out of the military.
Veterans can continue serving their country by protecting democratic institutions and fighting against authoritarian threats at home.