The Game: Unraveling a Military Sex Scandal

by Robert D. Shadley

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 1996: The U.S. Army's most extensive sexual abuse scandal on record is uncovered by Major General Robert Shadley. Known as GAM, or Game ala Military, an entire network of senior male instructors is in competition to sexually assault and exploit the young female trainees in their charge. Immersed in a battle unlike anything he d been trained to fight, Shadley must unravel the game, bring the players to justice, and get help for a record number of victims. Now retired, General Shadley continues to advocate for the estimated 19,000 military service members who are sexually assaulted each year. In this gripping story, he sheds light on a problem that s still sadly far from being solved, and provides lessons in real leadership through crisis.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Crystal Guta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not going to lie, I didn't finish it but I got far enough into the book to review it. It wasn't that I didnt't want to finish it but that it was exhausting to read which made me think, how exhausting it must've been to live thorugh. As someone who's in the military, working in the realm that this scandal took place, but 30+ years later, the harsh comparisons & parallels from then to now are eye opening. There are take aways, disappointments, surprises, and yeah "that tracks" throughout the book. The hard copy of the book has photos in the middle which help paint the how long ago this actually took place. It's a fairly comprehensible book for those not in the military as acronyms are spelled out & things are almost overly explained; to someone in the Army, it'll feel dumbed down. I'd recommend the book to anyone who worked or works in the training environement of the military as it'll give you pause to consider, what's changed?

[John Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an officer responsible for handling the public aspects of the subject of this book, back in 1996, I found the book compelling, accurate and instructive. Sixteen years after unraveling a highly visible military sex scandal, retired U.S. Army Major General Robert D. Shadley still has his hand on the string and is speaking out again because the military has not addressed the sexual assault problem aggressively.

In his newly released book, The GAMe – Unraveling a Military Sex Scandal, Shadley allows readers to walk by his side as he unravels of the GAM (“Game ale military”) at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1996. This abuse of power was the basis for the insidious efforts of drill sergeants and other instructors at military bases to obtain sexual favors from female trainees. Conservative estimates indicate that 250,000 service members serving in the military have been victimized since this scandal in 1996. Shadley did the right thing back in '96. Unfortunately, many other senior leaders have not. It seems that those who forgot the past were doomed to repeat it. Shadley readdresses this tragedy in our military forces with this chronicle. His words that ring truest are “It’s about doing the right thing no matter the cost.” “Sexual assault is not a women’s issue. It’s a force protection issue.”

Well worth the read!

[J.h. Gason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. Gen Shadley does a good job chronicling dates and places. This probably should be required reading for anyone becoming an officer in the armed forces as it gives solutions for future situations concerning the military highlighting the retired Generals problem solving ability. But! there is no doubting it was written by a General. No frills, No action, and really No mention of what activities actually occurred. Was disappointed that the blood was poured on the hands of the Drill Sergeants, like they are the only culprits in the military, when officers almost two to one are involved with sexual deviations over NCO's. Got the feeling that General Shadley wrote the book more so to tell everyone "it wasn't my watch!" so don't blame me rather than explaining what was done to curb such activity. All the while mentioning his dog Remington (yapping little monster who constantly barked at formations as they ran by doing morning PT, which really has no bearing on the story whatsoever)more than he mentioned his wife.I was happy to see that he did mention a particular incident which made ripples concerning himself and a female private who came about a photo of her and the General and autographed "Bob", though it was just a vague mention in the book it did go to show that even he wasn't above suspicion and at that time and place, it was a much bigger story.
I myself was personally involved in the APG incident and even had mention of my exploits in this book. This was Clinton's Army, we didn't fight wars, just boardom. We did treat the military like a college campus with sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll running rampant. As a matter of fact one of my most memorable moments happened in the turret of an M-1 Abrams with a bottle of Southern Comfort and a blue eyed, well built Kansas farm girl who loved southern accents.
The real story comes though on what brought the "GAMe" to light. It involved a DS, two female Marine Officers, two Privates (one of which was me), getting caught drunk and disorderly in a Baltimore graveyard one cold October night in 95' while trying to visit the grave of Edgar Allen Poe. Had it not been for this incident the APG sex-scandal may never have broke.
Knowing what really happened back in the day I can personally disclaim the philosophy that all the enlisted personnel of the military are sex craved Barbarians looking for a victim, while all the ranking Officers took the moral high road; We were ALL guilty of something. That's just how the military is, F**k it or Fight it.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Army officer preparing for battalion command in an IET environment, I found MG (Ret) Shadley's book to be a tremendous reference and took extensive notes to document areas I need to research further or ideas to implement into my command philosophy. His recommendations are spot-on and are exceptionally timely as we open more Military Occupational Specialties to our female Soldiers.

As a Second Lieutenant at the Ordnance Officer Basic Course in 1999, the shadow of this scandal still cast on Aberdeen Proving Ground. Advice from the instructors was to steer clear of the Post Exchange if a sex scandal occurred anywhere in the Army as the news vans would be parked in front of the PX looking to get Soldiers on camera with their comments.

[Joe Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the author embarking on this endeavor to provide a detailed accounting of who, what, when, where, why things happened. At the time, most of us just know what was reported. Doing the right thing is tough business in a politically charged environment where multiple factions have agendas to prosecute at the expense of others and the truth. Time has passed for us to step back and appreciate the analysis of the situation and the actions of leaders involved at various levels. The author indicates much was learned from the events that transpired. Was and is this knowledge being used to prevent future occurrences? It appears the jury is still out. Either way, Bob Shadley did a great job of objectively sharing his experiences and lessons learned from this major event.

[Lance Cangelosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look into what is arguably the genesis of the current fight against sexual assault in the military. When read carefully some of the insights in this book can provide a clear roadmap into how to prevent sexual assault and focus on taking care of victims.

The other aspects of this book are that of a tell-all. Very clearly meant to serve as a personal defense and condemnation of Army leadership at the time.

In the end it was a fascinating and quick read, I personally wish more of the focus had been on using the experience at APG to stop the problem rather than the bureaucratic/political aspects that seem to sell books.

[Jodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique look into one of the most publicized sex scandals in the Army. I read this as an independent reading for professional development. I'm glad I did. APG happened 20 years ago and the lessons learned are still not completely enforced. I entered the military at the time frame of this epidemic of Drill Sergeants abusing their power over and over playing the GAMe. After reading this, I thank my lucky stars I was at Ft. McClellan. MG (Retired) Shadley stood up in the storm to try and do right. It is a shame we are still fighting this culture. Highly recommend this book to anyone in a leadership role or on the front line still trying to change the culture.

[Yvonne Doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this fascinating book in one day. General Robert Shadley was extremely thorough in his recall of dates, names, information, and details about the Aberdeen Proving Ground drill sergeant scandal that took place 20 years ago, in 1995. It was abominable that the author was reprimanded and not supported by his chain of command, the Army leaders at the highest levels, for doing his duty and being honorable. I know General Shadley lost much sleep but his integrity remains intact. This book is a great discussion stimulator when discussing the topics of Army values, ethical behavior, military politics, victim advocacy, media relations, and the tough life of a scapegoat and whistle-blower.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

While at times this book seemed focused on removing the tarnish to MG Shadley's character, I applaud his efforts to shine a bright light on sexual assault in the military. The insight into the senior leadership at the Pentagon and Congress was candid and insightful. A great work on moral courage, and an important read for leaders.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, but poorly written. I suspect it would be nearly incomprehensible to someone unfamiliar with the workings of the Army.