The Department of Defense has clarified comments made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the use of aggressive training techniques during basic training, following concerns raised by lawmakers about hazing and physical contact with recruits.
In a letter responding to a group of 28 Democratic lawmakers led by Rep. Judy Chu of California, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata stated that “hazing and bullying have no place in the U.S. military,” and emphasized that safety remains the top priority in recruit training.
Tata’s letter sought to contextualize Hegseth’s remarks from a September address to senior military leaders. In those remarks, Hegseth signaled a review of how the military defines “toxic leadership,” bullying and hazing, arguing that those terms have been misapplied to hinder leadership.
“The definition of toxic has been turned upside down, and we’re correcting that,” Hegseth said. “That’s why today, at my direction, we’re undertaking a full review of the department’s definitions of so-called toxic leadership, bullying and hazing, to empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second guessing.”
He also asserted that drill instructors would be authorized to use traditional methods to discipline recruits, including limited physical contact: “Yes, they can shark attack, they can toss bunks, they can swear, and yes, they can put their hands on recruits.” Hegseth added that conduct must still comply with legal standards.
Tata’s letter clarified those comments by stating that physical contact may be used to protect recruits when safety is at risk during training, but did not define what constitutes appropriate physical intervention.
“Drill instructors have the difficult task of shaping civilians into soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians, and Marines,” Tata wrote. “When the safety of the recruit or others is jeopardized, drill instructors may take appropriate actions.”
He added that the upcoming redefinition of hazing and bullying aims to better identify and address misconduct. “By providing definitions that focus on egregious misconduct described in your letter, leaders will be empowered to more easily address inappropriate conduct that does not constitute hazing or bullying,” Tata wrote.
Chu, whose nephew Lance Cpl. Harry Lew died by suicide in 2011 following hazing while deployed in Afghanistan, expressed ongoing concern in a statement to Military Times.
“I am pleased that the Department of Defense has responded to our letter but remain concerned about its decision to change the definition of hazing and processes to handle hazing, bullying and harassment complaints,” Chu said.
The most recent Defense Department data from 2024 shows that about 1 in 5 hazing or bullying complaints is substantiated. There were 138 complaints filed that year, with the Marine Corps consistently accounting for a disproportionate share since mandated reporting began in 2020.
Tata said a new Pentagon database funded in 2025 will improve hazing reporting, as prior tracking lacked consistency. No update was available on the status of the 30-day definition review, which was delayed due to the October government shutdown.
