events are the basis of the Navy’s Core Values—Honor, Courage,  and  Commitment.  Graduations,  chiefs’ initiations, and crossing-the-line ceremonies are used to celebrate and recognize the achievements of individual Sailors,  Marines,  or  entire  units.  However,  hazing behavior (behavior that is degrading, embarrassing, or causes injuries) is illegal. DEFINITION OF HAZING Hazing  is  defined  as  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 the culpability of the perpetrator. Hazing  can  include,  but  is  not  limited  to,  the following types of activities: Playing abusive or ridiculous tricks Threatening or offering violence or bodily harm to another Striking Branding Taping Tattooing Shaving Greasing Painting Requiring excessive physical exercise beyond what is required to meet standards “Pinning,” “tacking on,” “blood wings” Forcing or requiring the consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DoN) POLICY ON HAZING The DoN’s policy is as follows: Hazing  is prohibited  and will not be tolerated. No service member in the DoN may engage in hazing or agree to be hazed. No commander or supervisor may, by act, word, deed, or omission condone (agree to) or ignore hazing if they know or reasonably should have known, that hazing may or did occur. It is the responsibility of every Sailor and Marine to make sure that hazing does not occur. Every service  member  is  responsible  to  make  the appropriate  authorities  aware  of  hazing violations. Commanders  or  individuals  in  supervisory positions are responsible for making sure that all ceremonies  and  initiations  conducted  within their organizations or commands comply with this policy. Supervisory  personnel  must  make  sure  that s e r v i c e m e m b e r s p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n command-authorized  ceremonies,  initiations, and other activities are treated with dignity and respect during these events. Reprisal actions against any victim or witness of hazing incidents are strictly prohibited. REVIEW 6 QUESTIONS Q1.  All naval personnel should be treated equally and be  given  equal  opportunities.  What  program does the Navy use to achieve this purpose? Q2.  Who  provides  guidance  and  policy  for  the CMEO Program? 1-18 Student Notes: