When, if ever, it is okay to haze or prank new sailors, airmen, marines, or soldiers?

When is it not? To answer that I will say when it breaks over a group consensus (usually unspoken agreement) of what is acceptable and what is not. How has the tradition been observed in the past? What were their roots?

I know as a combat engineer anytime we would get a new pvt to the unit we would always send him to get white degreaser from the motor poll and get a 2x4 stretcher...when done to me i sent 3 days finding all the good places on post...

Two things happened to me that by today's standards would absolutely be considered as hazing.

1) Getting my rank "patted" by everyone who congratulated me after my promotion ceremony to Corporal in 2007.

2) On my first duty day I received a call from "General Mills" asking for x-amount of Flight Line, and went around the unit trying to find some while looking like a complete idiot.

Now for the million dollar question: did I think of either instance as hazing? Back then: nope, not at all. It was a normal part of life as far as I was concerned, and the promotion but really made me feel like I belonged. I also had previously read in a Navy SEAL book that you knew you were liked by your unit if the individuals pulled silly pranks on you.

Unfortunately, this is a real gray area and comes down to one thing. Did the recipient feel degraded, embarrassed, or demeaned? If not, you are probably ok. The best personal example I could give is the following; I had a Marine recieve a Dirty Santa gift of the movie Broke Back Mountain around 2007. This Marine immediately started laughing uncontrollably. Just a prank. However, in 2012, another Marine recieved a similar DVD at a Christmas Party and immediately requested to speak with the SgtMaj and CO. The act was considered hazing and the Marine that bought the gift was punished. I hope this helps.