Last time I checked, fraternity pledges were being trained for brotherhood, not "simulated combat conditions" as the SEAL Hell Week does. I saw the special on that last night also. I don't see the same parallels you do. Also, when SEAL recruits are pushed to the absolute physical and mental limits, and even beyond, they do have trained medical professionals who ensure injuries are addressed. Funny, but I've never seen an ambulance or paramedic unit invited to a hazing activity...
While military training is meant to ensure that you will not fail during actual combat (in other words, die, and have several of your shipmates die with you), fraternity pledging is to teach members what it means to be a brother, the history of the order, etc....in most cases, as most GLO's teach in their rituals, to live their life by Christian ideals.
Military training and fraternity education both have goals in educating new recruits/members. But the outcomes, the intent, and the methods should not be the same.
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Don't be your brother's keeper; rather, be your brother's Brother.
[This message has been edited by LXAAlum (edited April 18, 2000).]
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