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Hazing, a practice involving rituals, challenges, or humiliation as a form of initiation, has a long and controversial history in the U.S. military. While often justified as a way to build camaraderie, test resilience, or instill discipline, hazing has also been associated with abuse, trauma, and even death. Let’s look into the origins of hazing in the military, its evolution over time, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful practices while preserving the spirit of tradition.
The Origins of Military Hazing
Hazing in the military can be traced back to ancient times, when initiation rites were used to bond soldiers and prepare them for the rigors of war. In the U.S. military, hazing traditions emerged alongside the formation of the armed forces in the late 18th century. Early examples often involved physical challenges, pranks, or humiliation designed to “toughen up” new recruits and integrate them into the unit.
For example, during the Civil War, new soldiers were sometimes subjected to “blanket tosses,” where they were thrown into the air using a blanket—a practice that could result in injury. Similarly, sailors in the Navy were subjected to “crossing the line” ceremonies when crossing the equator, which involved elaborate and often humiliating rituals.
The Golden Age of Hazing: World War I and II
Hazing became more widespread and institutionalized during World War I and World War II, as the military expanded rapidly and needed to integrate millions of new recruits. Basic training, while rigorous and disciplined, often included unofficial hazing rituals designed to break down individuality and build unit cohesion. In the Army, new recruits might be forced to perform menial tasks, endure verbal abuse, or participate in physically demanding challenges. In the Navy, “shellback” ceremonies for sailors crossing the equator became more elaborate, involving costumes, mock trials, and physical endurance tests.
While many soldiers viewed these rituals as harmless fun or a rite of passage, others experienced them as traumatic or degrading. The lack of oversight and accountability meant that hazing could easily cross the line into abuse.
The Dark Side of Hazing - Abuse and Scandals
By the mid-20th century, the darker side of hazing began to draw public attention. Incidents of physical abuse, sexual harassment, and even death prompted calls for reform. One of the most infamous cases occurred in 2011, when Private Danny Chen, a 19-year-old Army recruit, died by suicide after enduring months of racial hazing and abuse by his fellow soldiers.
Similarly, in 1999, Private Barry Winchell was brutally murdered by a fellow soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, after being targeted for his perceived sexual orientation. These tragedies highlighted the toxic culture of hazing and the need for systemic change.
The Push for Reform
In response to these incidents, the military began to take hazing more seriously. In 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued Directive 1325.6, which defined hazing as “any conduct whereby a military member or members, regardless of service or rank, without proper authority causes another military member or members, regardless of service or rank, to suffer or be exposed to any activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or harmful.”
The directive mandated that all branches of the military establish policies to prevent and address hazing. However, enforcement remained inconsistent, and hazing continued to occur, often under the radar.
In 2011, the death of Private Danny Chen reignited the debate over hazing in the military. His case led to congressional hearings and increased scrutiny of military culture. As a result, the Army implemented new training programs and reporting mechanisms to combat hazing and promote a culture of respect and inclusion.
Modern Hazing - A Mixed Picture
Today, hazing in the military is officially prohibited, but it persists in various forms. According to a 2019 DoD survey, 15% of active-duty service members reported experiencing hazing in the past year. Common forms of hazing include verbal abuse, physical challenges, and forced consumption of alcohol.
Efforts to combat hazing have focused on education, accountability, and cultural change. The military has introduced training programs to raise awareness about the harms of hazing and encourage reporting. Additionally, leaders are encouraged to foster a culture of respect and inclusion, where hazing is not tolerated.
The Future of Military Traditions
While hazing has no place in the modern military, the challenge lies in preserving the positive aspects of tradition without perpetuating harmful practices. Many units have replaced hazing with team-building exercises, mentorship programs, and other activities designed to build camaraderie and resilience.
For example, the Navy has revised its “shellback” ceremonies to eliminate abusive or degrading elements, while still maintaining the spirit of tradition. Similarly, the Army has introduced “Esprit de Corps” events that emphasize teamwork and mutual respect.
The history of hazing in the U.S. military is a complex and often troubling one. While hazing has been justified as a way to build camaraderie and toughness, it has also caused harm, trauma, and even death.
Today, the military is working to strike a balance between tradition and reform, ensuring that new recruits are welcomed and integrated in ways that are respectful, inclusive, and mostly safe. By learning from the past and embracing a culture of accountability, the military can continue to honor its traditions while upholding the values of dignity and respect for all who serve.
In the end, the true measure of a soldier’s strength is not their ability to endure abuse, but their commitment to building a stronger, more united team. And that’s a tradition worth preserving.
