MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Claf. -- Marines earn the rank of corporal, a non commissioned officer rank, by working hard at their job and being a squared away Marine.Nowhere in the prerequisites of becoming a corporal does it say that a Marine must be kicked and punched to earn their blood stripes, nor having their rank slammed into their chest without the backings.Currently, the Corps has a zero tolerance policy on hazing in the Fleet Marine Force.According to All Marine Message 045-03, our core values demand that all Marines are treated with dignity and respect at all times. The ALMAR states hazing, even when conducted as pranks, jokes or innocent fun is wrong.For years, Marines have had traditions which were considered simply a right of passage. Today’s Marine Corps is built on the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.“If I were to see an NCO (hazing) a junior Marine I would stop it,” said Sgt. Mark Hoffmier, radio operator with Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “There is a thin line on correcting a Marines and abusing them.”“I believe that anything that humiliates a Marine would be considered wrong,” Hoffmier said. “You should never make someone do something that you yourself wouldn’t do.”Marines must have the honor within themselves to report any form of hazing to their superiors as well.“Reporting a hazing incident ensures it will not happen again,” said Pfc. John Bulk, a bulk fuels specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, 3rd MAW. “There are rules set for a reason in the Marine Corps, and just like anything else, we must follow them.”Examples of hazing are things such as the gauntlet for a Marine who pinned on a noncommissioned officer rank, or leaving the backing off their new rank the day they got pinned and getting them punched into their collar; however, there is no reason a person must put themselves through any type of physical or mental degradation to be called a Marine.“I do not believe that hazing is considered a Corps tradition. It may have been overlooked in the past, but it is not a way to prove anything,” said Sgt. Ruby Magana, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd MAW. “There is no reason for hazing at promotions (pinning a Marine with their new rank without the backing). A simple pat on the back and congratulations is all that is needed,” said Magana, a Fremont, Calif., native. “Guidance by leading by example is what is needed throughout the Corps, not hazing.”Some might think being hazed in the Marine Corps is a right of passage; however the only right of passage in the Marines is graduating boot camp or officer candidate school. Once a Marine earns the title, they will forever hold the name – United States Marine.