Does the Army have more Victims or Predators?

2014-04-08T16:02:38-04:00

In the sexual assault and harassment context, in your experience, do you see more people (Military and Civilian) within the Army, who are lacking self-confidence, are uninformed, or passive by nature or do you witness more who are over confident, apathetic, and lack commitment to a higher calling? I am curious to see others interpretation of the balance between "sheep" and "wolves" in the Armed Forces. My focus is mainly Army centric, however I welcome input for and of the other sister services of the DoD for that matter. This is the third of a series of five questions in support of a study I am conducting. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 4:10 PM

2014-04-08T16:10:39-04:00

You keep hitting the really tough topics!

In my experience, there is no difference in the population of wolves/sheep in or out of the Army. We have our Alphas outside and in and there is no real distinction between the two populations, but in the Army and elsewhere, Sheep always outnumber Wolves.

That being said, we do have our fair share of aggressive, self-confident, informed Troops. Adversely, we have the antithesis. I would say that we have far more Sheep than Wolves but that is normal for a human population. That goes way back to our evolution as a patriarchal society.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Apr 8 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-04-08T18:38:29-04:00

Due to culture/society, we have more wolves than sheep. Most of those wolves are unknowing wolves. They have no clue that their behavior is wrong.

Kids in high schools are encourage to play sports so they can get girls. When they show no particular interest for girls, they are asked if they are gay.

TV shows like Jersey Shore, teach our young that it is ok to go get drunk, find a drunk girl and have sex with her. Those same kids are and have being recruited in the military for the longest. Females are taught the same thing, and now they are taught to go after guys the same way. Either way, it is wrong.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 8 at 2014 6:43 PM

2014-04-08T18:43:15-04:00

Great Question. I suspect that the Military as a Profession is viewed and used by Predators knowing our Rank Structure for their own means just like some Predators aspire to jobs as Police or Priests something that gives them authority over others.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-04-09T15:09:48-04:00

I feel we have more victims. To me, it appears that most of the predators are repeat offenders. As of late, most of these that are caught have had several inappropriate relationships, SA incidents or rapes in their past. I would love to know the statistics on it, though we will never know. There are also the repeat victims, but I haven't known too many of them. It is scary that one predator can have so many victims and still be getting away with it. I would pull a number out of thin air that it is probably no more than 5-7% responsible for 90% of the incidents. (Keep in mind it is mere speculation and I have NO data to back it)