Hazing in the Armed Forces (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised July 18, 2019 |
| Report Number |
IF10948 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Kristy N. Kamarck; Carolyn M. Kehn |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Initiation customs have long been part of the culture in the
United States Armed Forces as a method to welcome new
members and mark rites of passage. However, several highprofile
incidents have raised congressional concern that
some of these traditions may subject service members to
harmful or humiliating acts.
Hazing may pose a threat to trust, cohesion, safety, and
health of members of the Armed Forces. Congress has
oversight of this issue under Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S.
Constitution, which grants Congress the authority to raise
and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and to
make rules relevant to their organization and discipline.
Therefore, an understanding of the context of this issue and
recent actions taken to counteract it may help Congress
decide whether or not to address hazing in the military
through oversight and legislation.
