“As more than 60 nations gather to discuss the threats of violent extremists, the Defense Department is taking a backseat,” the Military Times reports.  

“While a handful of military personnel and Defense officials are attending the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism, these officials are ‘not actively participating,’ according to a Defense official.”  

“The official said that while Defense has played an important role in battling extremists as shown by actions in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and around the world, the department’s main role is on the front lines where ‘extremism becomes terrorism.'”