Military hazing

Thanks to Marc for this headsup.

A San Diego drill instructor accused of abusing recruits could face a sentence of nearly 270 years in prison if he’s convicted on all charges leveled against him, it was reported Thursday.

Sgt. Jerrod M. Glass postponed entering a plea Wednesday at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot, where he was arraigned on 244 counts of abusing recruits. He also delayed his request to have a trial by judge or jury, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Glass is accused of striking almost every member of his 60-man platoon — some repeatedly — during a monthlong rampage between mid-January and mid-February of this year, the Union-Tribune reported.

The charges include 91 specifications of assault, 89 of failure to obey orders and 47 of cruelty and maltreatment, the newspaper reported.

If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to 269 years in prison, according to the newspaper.

Some of the alleged abuses resemble fraternity pranks, such as forcing a recruit to jump into a trash can, while others suggest stern physical punishment, the Union-Tribune reported.

Glass had worked as a drill sergeant for less than a year when the alleged mistreatment took place. No member of his platoon was seriously injured, but at least four ran away from duty, the newspaper reported.

Four officers who oversaw Glass at the time have been relieved of duty. In addition, at least two other drill instructors have been charged and are expected to be arraigned next month. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of one year in the brig, according to the Union-Tribune.

Glass’ court-martial is tentatively set for Nov. 8 to Nov. 21, the newspaper reported.