Hazing Policy 

There is no place in the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit for hazing, period. Hazing will destroy the moral fiber and erode the good order and discipline of this warfighting unit. We are the “Pride of the Pacific,” and as such will not tolerate or condone any form of hazing. The Marines Corps defines hazing as “… any conduct whereby one military member, regardless of service or rank, causes another military member, regardless of service or rank, to suffer or be exposed to an activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating, or oppressive.”

Becoming a Marine or Sailor is a recognized rite of passage – always earned, never given. Backroom or any self-defined “elite” sub-culture initiations are strictly prohibited. We will treat every Marine and Sailor as a professional and valuable member of the team, just as we expect to be treated ourselves. Anyone having knowledge of hazing or suspected hazing will report the incident immediately via the chain of command or to me or the Sergeant Major personally.

I want leadership throughout the 11th MEU to ensure every member of this command is educated with regard to this issue. All Marines are required to review the Marine Corps Order on hazing. Any activity that could be interpreted as hazing will be strictly scrutinized and reviewed by the chain of command prior to execution. Anyone who witnesses or believes any event crosses the line has a moral obligation to put a stop to it immediately.

Col. Michael R. Hudson
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Commanding Officer