Cole Bridges, a 24-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to assist ISIS in planning attacks against U.S. troops. He pleaded guilty to terrorism charges in June 2023 after expressing intent to aid the terrorist organization through online communications with an undercover FBI agent. Bridges provided sensitive military information, including portions of an Army training manual and tactical advice, aimed at facilitating attacks against U.S. forces and potentially targeting locations like the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Despite requesting a maximum 40-year sentence, Judge Lewis J. Liman noted Bridges showed remorse and was not considered a hardened criminal, emphasizing the importance of deterrence within the military. The case highlights concerns over radicalization within armed forces and the challenges of countering extremist ideologies. Bridges will also face 10 years of supervised release following his prison term.