The Pentagon clarified Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments endorsing forceful recruit-training techniques after lawmakers raised concerns. Undersecretary Anthony Tata reiterated that hazing and bullying are unacceptable, while saying drill instructors may use physical actions when necessary to protect safety. The department has launched a review of definitions for "toxic leadership," hazing and bullying and is developing a new database to improve complaint tracking; however, the letter stopped short of defining "appropriate actions." Lawmakers, led by Rep. Judy Chu, said they remain concerned.
Pentagon Clarifies Hegseth’s Remarks on Physical Recruit Training — Tata Says ‘No Hazing’ as Definitions Are Reviewed
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a Mexican Border Defense Medal presentation in the Oval Office of the White House, Dec. 15, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)
The Department of Defense has added context to comments by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endorsing forceful training methods for recruits, after questions from lawmakers and public concern. Undersecretary Anthony Tata responded in writing, reaffirming that hazing and bullying are unacceptable while explaining how the department intends to limit and clarify acceptable drill-instructor conduct.
What Hegseth Said
"The definition of toxic has been turned upside down, and we’re correcting that. 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," Hegseth said.
In his September remarks to general officers and admirals, Hegseth argued that terms such as "bullying" and "hazing" have been overused in some units, undermining commanders and NCOs. He said drill instructors should be able to "instill healthy fear in new recruits" and listed examples of hard-training techniques — "Yes, they can shark attack, they can toss bunks, they can swear, and yes, they can put their hands on recruits" — while adding that such actions must not be reckless or unlawful.
Tata’s Response And Limits
"Drill instructors have the difficult task of shaping civilians into soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians, and Marines," Tata wrote. "Basic training involves real world scenarios and weapons. When the safety of the recruit or others is jeopardized, drill instructors may take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the recruits."
Tata’s letter emphasizes that hazing and bullying have no place in the U.S. military and describes physical contact by instructors as permissible only to protect safety or respond to immediate threats. The letter, however, did not provide a detailed definition of what constitutes "appropriate actions" or specific boundaries for physical contact, leaving those judgments to commanders, policy guidance and future rulemaking.
Review Of Definitions And Complaints Process
Hegseth ordered a review of the department’s definitions for "toxic leadership," "hazing" and "bullying" to give leaders clearer authority to enforce standards. Tata said the goal is to reduce an "unduly burdensome complaints system" that he says can hinder leaders’ effectiveness, by focusing definitions on truly egregious misconduct and better directing investigative resources.
The Pentagon also pointed to efforts to improve data collection. Tata noted a new centralized database is under development — funded in 2025 — to standardize and compile hazing complaints more effectively. Officials said the definitional review, initially expected to take about 30 days, was delayed by the October government shutdown.
Lawmakers’ Concerns And Human Cost
Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who led a letter from 28 House Democrats requesting clarification, welcomed the response but expressed continued concern. Chu has a personal stake in the issue: her nephew, Lance Cpl. Harry Lew, died by suicide in Afghanistan in 2011 after suffering physical hazing by fellow Marines.
"We want a strong military where people feel that they’re unified in their desire to protect this country," Chu said. "Not where they are torturing one another to the point where certain people feel like they have to kill themselves."
Data Snapshot
The most recent Department of Defense report on hazing (2024) showed 138 reported hazing complaints for that year, with roughly one in five incidents substantiated. Since congressionally mandated reporting began in 2020, the Marine Corps has consistently accounted for a disproportionately large share of hazing allegations.
What Remains Unclear
Key questions remain: how the department will precisely define "appropriate actions" by drill instructors, how new definitions will be implemented in policy and training, and how the complaints process and the new database will change investigation and substantiation rates. Lawmakers and advocates say they will monitor changes closely to ensure recruits and service members are protected from abuse while leaders retain necessary authority to train effectively.
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