COMBAT LOGISTICS BATTALION 5
COMMANDING OFFICER'S
HAZING POLICY

Hazing is prohibited and will not be tolerated at CLB-5. I expect our Marines and Sailors to be professionals at all times. Professionalism includes treating each other with dignity and respect… in and out of our uniforms; in the workplace and on liberty. Further, I expect leaders to take care of their Marines and Sailors. This includes ensuring that we look out for the well-being of our fellow Marines and Sailors, while also developing our team to respond competently in challenging operational environments. We are known for being professionals and for taking care of our Marines and Sailors. Acts of hazing are the exact opposite of these attributes. Hazing is not some twisted sense of tradition; it only serves to highlight the indiscipline and immaturity of those who perpetrate the act. These acts demand swift response to cease the abuse, protect the victim, investigate, and take appropriate disciplinary action for the perpetrator.

As defined in MCO 1700.28B, "Hazing is 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. Soliciting or coercing another to perpetrate any such activity is also considered hazing. Hazing need not involve physical contact among or between military members; it can be verbal or psychological in nature. Actual or implied consent to acts of hazing does not eliminate culpability of the perpetrator."

Challenging training and professional counseling are NOT hazing. To prepare ourselves to overcome the stresses of an operational environment, we will conduct command-authorized training that will intentionally be physically and mentally demanding. Additionally, we will conduct verbal counseling and administrative corrective action with professionalism to address performance and conduct deficiencies. Leaders may also use properly administered Extra Military Instruction (EMI), if appropriate. Realistic, challenging training and professional corrective measures will prepare our Marines and Sailors to be mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight.

Within CLB-5, we will educate our Marines and Sailors to actively prevent hazing. If hazing acts occur, I expect victims and witnesses to report the violation immediately. Failure to report incidents means that you are accepting and condoning this type of behavior. This is the wrong way for us to respond. We will protect victims and witnesses from reprisal. We will take action report and investigate incidents rapidly. The intent is to determine the truth and take appropriate disciplinary action.

Overall, I expect professionalism, dignity for our Marines and Sailors, and team building to prepare our unit to accomplish our assigned tasks in the most challenging operational environments. Each of us must do the right thing!

"No Excuses"
J.F. Soto JR.