What is Hazing in the Military?
Hazing has long been a contentious and highly debated topic within the military, with some arguments ranging from "it builds discipline and camaraderie" to "it creates toxic and harmful environments for young recruits." But what is hazing in the military, exactly?
Contents
Defining Hazing
In simple terms, hazing is any activity, policy, or act, whether initiated by civilian instructors, drill sergeants, or other service members that humiliates, intimidating, or physically or psychologically exhausts new recruits in military training. The American Military Council defines hazing as "any initiation that is likely to cause either physical or mental harm".
Some common examples of hazing include:
• Physically exhausting recruits
- Running for long periods, carrying heavy equipment or weights
- Encouraging recruits to voluntarily push themselves beyond safety limits
• Intimidation and humiliation - Yelling or demeaning recruits
- Publicly embarrassing recruits through verbal or physical insults
• Physical manipulation and coercion - Withholding food, sleep, or rest
- Encouraging physical attacks or bullying
These harmful practices are often defended under the guise of building cohesion, discipline, and motivation within units. But hazing has numerous consequences, both short and long-term, that put an unnecessary strain on our already-overstretched military
Consequences of Hazing
Falures to Meet Service and Unit Requirements
- Diminished Performance: Hazed individuals often experience decreased productivity and focus, leading to:
- Reduced skill sets
- Declining morale
- Low job satisfaction
- Higher absenteeism
hazing is often at odds with the military’s main priorities, which include effectiveness and readiness
Burnout and Dropout Rate
- Physical and Emotional exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to hazing tactics can lead to chronic burnout, resulting in:
- High absenteeism
- Low recruitment
- High drop rates
- Demands for increased medical interventions
- Potential administrative action or disciplinary action
• Decreased Career Success: Hazing-victim recruits may experience negative stigma, impacting their chance to: - Succeed in future roles or postings
- Qualify for promotion
- Develop necessary skills or career progression
• Systematic Abuse and Retaliation: Hazed victims may face retaliation and isolation within units, stifling open communication and fostering environments: - Characterized by fear
- Oppressive and punitive in nature
- Unable to report or address toxic culture
A Shift in Perspective
In recent years, the military has become more proactive in addressing and condemning hazing practices. To facilitate a positive shift:
Rehabilitative Training and Accountability Initiatives
• Training Exercises Emphasizing Positive Interpersonal Skills: Encourage peer-to-peer respect and responsibility, rather than adversarial behavior
• Improved Reporting and Incident Procedures: Create clear channels for whistle-blowers, investigations, and corrective measures to prevent further incidents
Examples of Organizations & Initiatives Working towards Reducing Hazing: *
• Department of Defense’s (DoD) Anti-Hazing Advisory Committee
• For the Record reporting application (ForTheRecord.Org)
• "Rethink Hazing" awareness campaign
• Navy’s "Respect All" program
To reiterate, hazing has no place within modern military training. These practices only serve to discredit the institution, creating systemic issues and harming individual career growth. It is vital we realign our strategies for building discipline and trust through positive, constructive actions
Conclusion
To recap, hazing within the military refers to acts intended to humiliate, exhaust, or intimidate recruits or junior service members, both physically and mentally. In contrast to the well-known benefits of positive interpersonal bonds, hazing negatively affects morale, job performance, and career advancement while exposing units to liability issues, decreased retention, and tarnished reputations. Through proactive reporting, redefinition of unit expectations, and accountability initiatives, it’s essential to prioritize rehabilitative training, foster transparency and open communication, and continually reinforce a culture devoid of hazing.
Please be aware that If you are a victim or have witnessed hazing or another form of mistreatment in the military or another context, REPORT IMMEDIATELY.
If you need assistance in reaching out or seeking information:
- Visit the following:
- Department of Defense’s (DoD) Anti-Hazing page at www.defense.gov/Hazing
- Veterans Crisis Line at (202) 461-4963
- A military installation’s base provost marshal or HR representative
- Visit mental health services, social service organizations, or religious counsel at your base or hometown.
References
https://www.amilitaryhistory.com/hazing.html
