The Capitol riot of January 6, 2021 functioned as a national watershed moment, generatingfar-reaching aftershocks across American society. While hypotheses abound proposing various catalysts, it has spurred a robust conversation regarding domestic terror driven by narratives of racism, hate, and antigovernment sentiment. Particular concern has been directed towards the existence of ‘extremist’ elements within the United States military as a potential breeding ground for the next generation of homegrown terrorists. This thesis conducts an initial inquiry into a foundational American institution: the Armed Forces of the United States, with particular emphasis on understanding phenomena of Old Norse religious practice as simultaneously moderating upon its military adherents while possibly aggravating the ideological ‘pull’ of farright hate and terror organizations. Findings from qualitative interviews and online forum data suggest a general differentiation in motivations between two samples, however risk may yet exist in areas of thematic overlap where topics discussed appeared most similar between groups. While there may be no algorithmic answer to one’s radicalization trajectory or human nature more broadly, the existence of online groups co-opting Old Norse faith and iconography suggests such a phenomenon exists and further research is needed. Significance and policy implications are offered, and this thesis closes with a discussion of limitations before providing recommendations for future study.