End Toxic Military Command Abuses That Push Service Members To Suicide

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When protections against bullying are stripped away, service members pay the price with their lives—compassion and accountability are the only path to a military that protects its own.mili

End Toxic Military Command Abuses That Push Service Members To Suicide

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently declared the end of so-called “woke” culture in the military, rolling back protections against bullying and loosening standards meant to safeguard service members1. His speech at Quantico mocked overweight troops, dismissed diversity initiatives, and even suggested redefining toxic leadership and hazing in ways that would give commanders broader authority without accountability2. These moves risk fueling a culture of humiliation and fear instead of trust and respect.

Bullying and Suicide Are Connected

The military loses nearly three active-duty service members every day to suicide3. Many deaths are tied not to combat, but to toxic command climates, harassment, and retaliation for seeking help. Navy Petty Officer Brandon Caserta’s suicide in 2018 followed relentless bullying from a supervisor and a lack of access to mental health care3. His story spurred the Brandon Act, designed to allow confidential mental health referrals. But families fear these protections will be undermined by the Pentagon’s current direction.

Veterans and Families Speak Out

Veterans’ groups and military families warn that weakening safeguards against hazing and bullying ignores the lessons of past tragedies4. Women veterans note that new “male-level” standards for combat jobs risk excluding those who have already proven themselves in uniform5. Families of suicide victims are pleading with leadership to address the crisis with urgency, not rhetoric. They emphasize that compassion is not weakness—compassion saves lives.

Compassion Strengthens the Force

Military strength depends on trust within the ranks. When service members feel safe to seek help and respected by their leaders, they can focus fully on their mission. Rolling back protections against abuse does not create a tougher force—it creates a broken one. Preventing suicide and protecting dignity are not distractions from readiness; they are the foundation of it.

What’s at Stake

If protections against bullying and harassment are eroded, more lives will be lost. Every death by suicide leaves behind families shattered and units weakened. Every ignored complaint deepens the distrust that corrodes morale. This is not just about policy; it is about human lives and the future of our armed forces.

Sign the petition today to call on the Secretary of Defense to strengthen protections against bullying and ensure a safer, more compassionate military for all who serve.

More on this issue:

  1. Ben Finley, Konstantin Toropin, Evan Vucci, The Independent (30 September 2025), "Hegseth declares an end to 'politically correct' leadership in the US military."
  2. Brad Reed, Common Dreams (30 September 2025), "‘Most Loser Shit I Have Ever Seen’: Pete Hegseth’s Unhinged Speech to Generals Sparks Instant Ridicule."
  3. Patty Nieberg, Task & Purpose (15 May 2025), "Parents of ‘Brandon Act’ sailor ask to meet with Hegseth about military suicides."
  4. Robert Tait, The Guardian (30 September 2025), "No more ‘woke’ in the US military: key takeaways from Pete Hegseth’s speech."
  5. Alex Woodward, The Independent (30 September 2025), "Veterans assail Pete Hegseth’s ‘clueless, self-aggrandizing’ leadership after remarks to military officials."

The Petition

To Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth,

We, the undersigned, call on you to immediately strengthen protections against bullying, harassment, and toxic leadership in our military. Recent actions and rhetoric suggesting the loosening of these safeguards raise deep concern that the culture within the ranks will shift toward humiliation, fear, and silence—conditions that have already contributed to tragic losses of life.

Our service members dedicate their lives to defending this nation. They deserve leaders who foster respect and dignity, not environments where bullying is dismissed as toughness or hazing is tolerated as tradition. Compassion and humanity must be central to military culture if we are to protect those who protect us.

Every year, hundreds of active-duty men and women die by suicide. Many of these deaths are linked not to combat, but to the daily pressures of toxic command climates and retaliation for seeking help. The heartbreaking death of Navy Petty Officer Brandon Caserta is one such example, where bullying and lack of mental health support pushed a promising young sailor to end his life. His parents fought tirelessly for the Brandon Act to ensure service members could confidentially seek care without fear of reprisal. Weakening definitions of bullying or hazing undercuts the very purpose of that reform.

Compassion is not weakness. It is strength. A military that values empathy is a military that encourages service members to trust their leaders, support one another, and stay mission-ready. Enforcing clear rules against harassment and ensuring mental health resources are accessible saves lives, preserves unit cohesion, and honors the sacrifices families have already endured.

We urge you to:

  • Maintain strict protections against bullying, hazing, and toxic leadership.
  • Fully implement and enforce the Brandon Act across all branches.
  • Ensure that service members can report abuse without fear of retaliation.
  • Prioritize mental health care with adequate staff and confidential access.

These steps will not only prevent unnecessary deaths but will strengthen our armed forces from within. When troops feel safe, valued, and respected, they can dedicate themselves fully to their duty.

By upholding compassion and accountability, we can build a stronger, more resilient military—and ensure a better future for all Americans.

Sincerely,

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