MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Among other important issues of the day such as sexual assault prevention and responsible drinking, hazing often surfaces to the top of Marine training curricula.
The Marine Corps doesn’t tolerate hazing and takes the way its members are treated and its reputation very seriously.
“We as Marines are marked for professionalism,” said 1st Sgt. Brock Milford, Combat Development Co., first sergeant. “When that is compromised, our image as a whole becomes compromised. America gives us a huge responsibility as it entrusts us to take care of its sons and daughters.”
Since its inception almost 238 years ago, the Marine Corps has and will continue to evolve policy to meet contemporary issues. Hazing is no exception.
“One of the biggest changes in the past year has been the mandatory reporting for all allegations,” said Milford. “Hazing isn’t solely physical, but also verbal and psychological.”
Although some may find it difficult to draw a line between practicing traditions and acts of hazing, 1st Sgt. Raymond Clark, Headquarters Co. first sergeant, explains where the line is drawn.
“There are appropriate and inappropriate traditions,” said Clark. “If the act promotes esprit de corps and camaraderie without demeaning behavior or embarrassment, then the act is within the spirit of the order.”
Milford agrees.
“Crossing the line is when you change from being professional to becoming personally and emotionally attached,” said Milford.
An example of being personally or emotionally attached may be trying to right a wrong or trying to impress someone, said Milford.
Both first sergeants agree that all Marines deserve the same thing.
“Every person needs to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Clark.
Some of the significant revisions made to Marine Corps order 1700.28A on May 20, 2013, included: mandatory reporting of all hazing allegations, entry of all hazing allegations into the discrimination and sexual harassment database and refinements to the definition of hazing: specifically, what actions may constitute hazing.
According to Milford, when it comes to hazing, one thing is imperative for every Marine.
“Know the changes,” said Milford. “As time goes on, we adjust the policy. We’ve got to stay on top of it as much as other issues.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil