A recent Guardian article has exposed the unsettling presence of several active and former members of the United States military within the ranks of a California-based neo-Nazi active club, sparking concerns about the growing appeal of such extremist groups among military personnel. While Clockwork Crew, previously known as Crew 562, has just a handful of core members, their ties to the American armed forces highlights a worrisome trend in the infiltration of extremism into the military.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, the Clockwork Crew, formed in 2022, is a neo-Nazi group located in Southern California with a focus on military and physical fitness. The crew holds small, local events and has also joined activities spearheaded by the Goyim Defense League and White Lives Matter. The former group has recently been accused of distributing antisemitic flyers in the San Diego area. The fact that these clubs are attracting members from within the military emphasizes the concerning connection between the American armed forces and far-right extremism. Clockwork Crew, which originated in Long Beach, and boasts around a dozen members, is linked to other such fight clubs and traditional skinhead gangs, including the Golden State Skinheads.
An unnerving example of military connection to this militant group is the suspected involvement of lance corporal machine gunner Mohammed Wadaa, a current Marine Corps member detained on insubordination charges. Another former marine, Gunnar Naughton, who was later dismissed from the service for stealing ammunition, also allegedly joined the Clockwork Crew's ranks.
NPR reported in July 2023 that similar active clubs have risen in prominence across the US and have even infiltrated other countries, notably Europe and Canada. Many of these groups, such as the Northwest Nationalist Network, have stepped up their activities in recent months, participating in public events and protests, often acting in alliance with other white nationalist organizations. These activities have caused concern among extremism researchers and civil rights organizations alike, who are increasingly alarmed by the evolution of white nationalist groups and their impact on society.
