Hazing in the U.S. Army: Decreased but Still a Major Problem

The question of whether hazing in the U.S. Army has decreased in 2019 or remains a significant issue has been a matter of intense debate. While official records and policies suggest a reduction in hazing incidents, the harsh reality is that such practices still persist and can be found throughout all branches of the military. This article explores the current state of hazing in the U.S. Army, drawing from recent incidents and historical data to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Incidents of Hazing in the U.S. Army

The practices of hazing within the U.S. Army are not limited to any particular unit or branch. Unfortunately, several high-profile incidents have come to light in recent years, highlighting the prevalence of such behavior. Here are a few examples:

Drill Instructor Joseph Felix: Actions directly led to the death of recruit Raheel Siddiqui. Drill Instructor Nadya Lopez: Stood by while recruit Jason Tharp drowned. She claimed he was faking. Drill Instructor Henry Wallraff: Stood by while recruit Lynn McClure was beaten to death during pugil stick training. Drill Instructor Jerrod Glass: Beat a recruit in the head with a tent pole. Drill Instructor Jeffrey Van Dyke: Caused a recruit to require skin grafts after burning his skin with bleach. Drill Instructor Antonio Burke: Convicted of using “dungeon” to punish recruits and of cyber-stalking a recruit’s girlfriend. Drill Instructor Korey Bromery: Forced an entire platoon to do pushups in the shower while he poured bleach onto the floor. Drill Instructor Michael Eldridge: Forced a recruit into an industrial dryer and turned it on. Drill Instructor Jerome Fleming: Forced a recruit to perform a sex act while he filmed it. Drill Instructor Robert Henson: Threatened a recruit then shot a recruit in the hand. Drill Instructor Steven Mendez: Punched and choked a recruit 17 times.

These incidents serve as stark reminders of the ongoing nature of hazing in the U.S. Army. While some argue that these are isolated cases, the sheer volume of such incidents indicates a persistent and systemic issue.

Official Perspective on Hazing

The U.S. Army has been working to address and eliminate hazing through various policies and initiatives. According to official statements, hazing is officially not a major problem. However, this stance is often contradicted by anecdotal evidence and reports from within the ranks.

To combat hazing, the Army has launched several programs aimed at educating recruits and officers. These initiatives include:

Training programs to educate recruits about the dangers of hazing. Increased oversight and monitoring of training units. Penalties and disciplinary actions for those found engaging in hazing activities. Support systems for victims and potential whistleblowers.

Despite these efforts, many in the military community remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, citing a lack of transparency and genuine commitment from leadership.

Unofficial Approach to “New Guys”

While official policies strive for a harassment-free environment, the reality is often more nuanced. In some units, there is a kind of fun approach to hazing, done in a seemingly "good-natured" manner. This form of hazing is often characterized by:

Light-hearted pranks and jokes. Ice-breaking activities aimed at fostering camaraderie. Beer and story-telling sessions, both real and exaggerated.

These activities are intended as a form of fun and bonding, but they can sometimes blur the line into actual hazing. Participants and observers often struggle to differentiate between playful antics and abusive behavior, which can lead to unintended harm.

It is crucial to recognize that while such behavior may be less severe, it still contributes to a climate of mistreatment and can have long-lasting psychological impacts on recruits.

Conclusion

The question of hazing in the U.S. Army remains a complex and contentious issue. While official records indicate a reduction in hazing incidents, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. High-profile cases and continuous incidents highlight a persistent problem that requires ongoing attention and action. Moving forward, it is vital for the Army to continue its efforts to address hazing, ensuring that all recruits are treated with respect and dignity.

Keywords: hazing, U.S. Army, military training