A Muslim marine claims he was forced into an industrial dryer by a drill instructor who then ran the dryer several times, leaving the recruit burned on the neck and arm. The incident allegedly occurred at Parris Island, S.C. This reportedly isn’t the first time the drill instructor has been accused of hazing and abusing Muslim recruits.
Raheel Siddiqui of Taylor reportedly jumped to his death from a 40 foot stairwell while fleeing the drill instructor after he slapped Siddiqui in the face. The drill instructor, that hasn’t been identified, also isn’t alone in his actions. Up to 20 officers and enlisted leaders could face criminal charges or court-martial in relation to hazing.
Marine Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller states that recruit training will remain physically and mentally challenging despite these allegations but they will be sure commanding officers do not cross any lines:
“When America’s men and women commit to becoming Marines, we make a promise to them. We pledge to train them with firmness, fairness, dignity and compassion.”
Several recruits have come forward complaining of hazing of various degrees. Some were as innocent and childish as forcing a recruit to eat several slices of bread and biscuits without water. Others were disturbing, such as calling Muslim recruits terrorist or forcing them to call their sisters on base so drill sergeants could flirt with them.
Military officials and the victims hope that punishing the 20 commanders and senior enlisted leaders will lead to greater oversight of training activities at Parris Island to prevent further abuses of power.
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