Hazing

15 Jul 21

As Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, I am committed to maintaining an environment where personnel maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and conduct to assure proper performance of duties and to ensure mutual respect and trust. Hazing is unacceptable and violates these standards. The Chain of Command will not condone or tolerate any form of hazing.

Hazing is defined as 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. Inappropriate behavior or abuse, whether physical or emotional, will not be permitted. In particular, hazing will not be tolerated during training evolutions or ceremonies that commemorate the proud traditions of the Naval Service.

Maintaining our traditions in a positive way is important and we will continue to exercise them in a professional and dignified manner, including events such as Crossing-the-Line ceremonies, Chief Petty Officer’s Season, and others. These traditions will be supervised to ensure proper decorum is maintained and the dignity and self-respect of individual participants are protected.

Any service member or civilian employee subjected to hazing, or who is a witness to hazing, will attempt to take action to stop it if feasible and report it through the Chain of Command or established grievance procedures. Reprisals against a person submitting a complaint will not be tolerated. The location of the hazing is irrelevant. It is forbidden regardless of where it occurs.

S. J. PAPARO