CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo, Feb. 27, 2012 – Seventeen Soldiers from the 3-108th Calvary Regiment deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo have been removed from their unit for allegedly hazing new recruits. The U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) chain of command has conducted an investigation and will establish formal charges later this week.

“The bottom line is that hazing is fundamentally in opposition of our values and is not tolerated in any form. Our goal is and always will be to treat all Soldiers with dignity and respect regardless of rank, gender, race, or religion,” said Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard. “Putting an end to hazing in all forms has been a top priority across all branches of the United States military. The message is clear: hazing will not be tolerated in the United States Army and it most certainly will not be tolerated in the Georgia National Guard. Period.”

While the investigation is underway, the unit is conducting training on leadership, Army Values, and hazing policies.

Brigadier General Jarrard supports the retraining efforts of the USAREUR chain of command and has produced a training video discussing Georgia’s policy on hazing. This video will be viewed by all of the Soldiers in the unit as they conduct this corrective training. 

Story by Capt. Will Cox

Contact: 

1st Lt. William Carraway

Media Relations Officer

Georgia Department of Defense

(404) 788-1487

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