6 times Gunny Hartman was guilty of hazing

Updated onOct 22, 2020

1 minute read

SUMMARY

Nothing excites film audiences more than seeing their favorite characters get pushed to their physical and mental limits just to see them return, stronger than ever. It’s no secret that, in the military, “newbies,” “FNGs,” or “boot…

Nothing excites film audiences more than seeing their favorite characters get pushed to their physical and mental limits just to see them return, stronger than ever.

It's no secret that, in the military, "newbies," "FNGs," or "boots" tend to get mistreated because of their low rank and inexperience. It happens more than you think.

Some call it "training" while others label it "hazing." The act is considered a necessary evil as it shows other service members that you can handle the stress.

One of the most significant military movies ever recorded, 1987's Full Metal Jacket, took the art of hazing to another level, cinematically.

The film's first act showcases Gunny Hartman as he takes his recruits and turns them into Marines using methods you couldn't get away with today.

Related: 8 life lessons from 'Forrest Gump' legend Lt. Dan

So, check out six times Gunny Hartman was guilty of hazing by today's standards.

6. Gunny using racial slurs

Within the first few minutes of Gunny's on-screen introduction, he informs his recruit platoon that "there is no racial bigotry here" right before he rattles out four different, major slurs.

Gunny Hartman as he rattles off those hateful labels. (Image source from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)

5. Using racial slurs referring to types of food

Seconds after dropping those racial slurs, the Gunny walks up to "Snowball" and tells him that certain foods he may have enjoyed eating in the past won't be available in the mess hall.

We know that's a little vague, but we're keeping it G-rated here, people.

Gunny informs Snowball of his dining choices. (Image source from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)

4. Gunny punches Joker in the gut for a bad John Wayne impersonation

DIs just can't hit recruits, even if they do deserve it.

Joker falls to the floor after getting nailed in the stomach by a Marine's iron fist. (Image from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)

3. Choking Pvt. Pyle

Yup. Gunny has committed his fourth act of hazing in less than a few minutes of screentime.

Pyle doesn't smile at Gunny for the rest of his short-lived storyline. (Image from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)

2. Gunny backhands Joker

Gunny knocks Joker across his face because he doesn't believe in the Virgin Mary. That's a no-no, apparently.

The aftermath of a well-executed backhand — the recruit is stunned. (Image from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)

Also Read: 6 reasons 'Full Metal Jacket' should have been about Animal Mother

1. Teaching a recruit the difference between left and right with a few slaps

Gunny smacks Pyle twice in the face, causing his cover to spin off his head. Cinematic hazing makes for a great scene.

What side was that, Pvt. Pyle? (Image from Warner Brothers' Full Metal Jacket)