Bullying Mental Health

Exploring the Impact of Bullying and Hazing in the U.S. Military

When thinking of the military, terms such as bullying may not be the first to come to mind. However, roughly 12% of combat soldiers reported being bullied or hazed during deployment, according to a study published online by JAMA Network Open. The research further revealed that soldiers who are bullied or hazed are more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts. While the military has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and hazing, this doesn’t mean that these issues are nonexistent. With that in mind, it’s important to realize how such issues can have a lasting effect on soldiers — and how the military is proactively responding with updated policies.

Understanding the health effects 

Bullying may seem like an issue that is isolated to schoolchildren, though it can impact anyone — even adults and those who are in the military. In the military, bullying can take form in a number of different ways. Verbal abuse, aggressive behavior, and belittling comments are just a few examples of bullying, though physical violence can also play a role. Hazing rituals, on the other hand, can also be detrimental to an individual’s mental health and well-being (and sometimes even one’s physical health). Hazing typically involves the imposition of humiliating acts or tasks as a form of ‘initiation.’ While hazing may involve seemingly harmless physical punishment (like pushups), it can also involve psychological torment or physical violence, and can even become deadly. With that in mind, it’s imperative to realize that both bullying and hazing can have detrimental effects on victims, making it essential for all service members to be aware of the military’s policies regarding such matters. 

Regarding the impact of bullying among America’s adults, one survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association revealed a range of concerns. According to the poll, 71% of those who have been bullied as an adult experience stress, 70% experience anxiety or depression, 55% report a loss of confidence, and 39% experience sleep loss. Furthermore, it’s noted that 19% reported a mental breakdown, and 17% “noted an inability to function day-to-day.” Furthermore, the study published by JAMA Network Open revealed that reports of being bullied or hazed during deployment were significantly associated with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, postraumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse disorder. 

The military’s stance on bullying and hazing

Bullying and hazing in the military may seem like a relatively new concern, but it has been an issue for quite some time. Thankfully, the military has responded over time by implementing a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior and implementing new policies to proactively address the problem. A 2018 Military Times article, for example, details a Pentagon policy on harassment, which would result in a permanent mark on the service record of a military member who harasses or bullies others on the job. A significant change, according to the article, involves clearer guidelines regarding how a member can go about reporting harassment, enabling troops to report harassment even when belonging to one service while working in a job reporting to another service. 

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported in a 2011 posting that several allegations of hazing were being investigated within ranks. While Dempsey noted that the instances of misconduct appeared to be isolated, he went on to stress the important role of the military’s values in relation to hazing and bullying. In regard to hazing, Dempsey said: “It undermines our values, tarnishes our profession and erodes the trust that bonds us.” He further noted that every service member should be aware that participating in hazing — or even observing such instances without reporting it — are both wrong. “We are duty bound to protect one another from hazing in any form.” 

Maintaining mental health as a service member

Remaining in good physical condition is essential for active servicemen and women, but it is equally as important to maintain mental well-being, too. For example, dog tags have long played a key role in the identification of soldiers since the late 1800s, and play a key role in communicating valuable information about a soldier. This includes medical information such as blood type, any life-threatening allergies, or other relevant medical conditions. These tags should be updated as needed in order to provide accurate information in the event of an emergency situation. Just as soldiers must maintain their dog tags and maintain good physical health, it’s essential to stay on top of mental health, too, especially for those who have experienced bullying or hazing.

In addition to the ability to report instances of hazing or bullying, it’s imperative to highlight the role of recent mental health initiatives in the U.S. military, such as the Brandon Act. The Brandon Act was signed into law by President Biden in December of 2021, and aims to enable active duty service members to seek mental health assistance “confidentially, for any reason, at any time, and in any environment.” In addition to serving as a way to reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental health care in the military, the Brandon Act can work to help service members who are experiencing mental health issues as a result of bullying.

Bullying and hazing can seem like an issue that only occurs in a school environment. It is essential to realize that it can happen in a number of different circumstances as an adult, too — even in the military. Despite the military’s zero-tolerance stance on the matter, instances still occur, underlining the importance of reporting such incidents when they arise.