Misleading by Design Briefing Room » American Military University (AMU)

The Misleading by Design Briefing Room is where I call out the scams, tricks, and deception that target writers and everyday consumers. From predatory author services to food that looks nothing like the packaging to institutions that push bias while pretending to be neutral, this is where I document the patterns and expose the people and systems behind them. I bring over 30 years of experience in intelligence and investigations, which gives me the tools to dig deeper than most. I'm not here to sugarcoat. I'm here to expose what they're hoping you won't notice.

The Briefing Room aligns with Branching Plot Books' core mission. Whether I’m writing personal accounts like The Empty Lot Next Door, investigating Candle Face, or preserving the voices in The Scrolls of Souls, the goal is to involve the audience in interpretation, analysis, and sometimes action. Just as the books encourage readers to bring their own instincts and beliefs, the Briefing Room asks them to examine the stories, products, and institutions they encounter in daily life. Whether you’re reading a scroll or spotting a scam, what matters is how you read between the lines.

A green chalkboard displays the phrases “ISLAMIC EXTREMISM” and “RIGHT-WING TERRORISM” in bold white chalk, while “LEFT-WING VIOLENCE” appears faint and faded below, symbolizing how AMU’s curriculum erases left-wing extremism.

Part 5: AMU’s Curriculum Is Stuck in the Past by Design

AMU’s Terrorism and Counterterrorism course claims to cover all forms of terrorism but fails to do so. It overemphasizes Islamic extremism, selectively updates material to spotlight January 6, and completely...

Part 4: AMU’s Global Terrorism Class Is the Smoking Gun

Part 4 exposes AMU’s Global Terrorism course as the clearest example of political indoctrination in the counter-terrorism program. The syllabus claims balance, but the content relentlessly pushes an agenda that...
Dr. Kate Brannum reposts a Brookings Institution tweet featuring armed protestors with shields and masks. The message argues that not all violent actors are terrorists, revealing her selective interpretation of terrorism.
Cartoon reposted by Dr. Kate Brannum depicting violent extremists from major religions, all claiming to act under “God’s will,” highlighting her disdain for religion.

Part 3: AMU Indoctrination Starts with Dr. Kate Brannum

This post examines how Dr. Kate Brannum, Chair of AMU’s Department of Security and Global Studies, uses her position to inject political ideology into the university’s counter-terrorism curriculum. Through public...

Part 2: AMU’s Vision Is a Mask for Indoctrination

American Military University (AMU) promotes a mission of service, integrity, and academic excellence. But behind the polished language is a different reality. This post breaks down AMU’s official mission and...
An illustration of a wooden classroom podium in front of a chalkboard, with cracks spreading across the wall behind it, symbolizing decay beneath institutional messaging.
Illustration of a person holding a large book titled "Counter-Terrorism Activist Playbook," with bold text above reading "Teaching the Agenda Not the Facts." The image suggests political bias in counter-terrorism education.

Part 1: Indoctrination at American Military University

This first installment of Misleading by Design exposes how American Military University (AMU) pushes a one-sided political agenda through its counter-terrorism curriculum. Arthur Mills reveals how students are groomed to...