Aberdeen Proving Ground, the Army post that was the site of one of the biggest sex scandals in military history, received a new commander yesterday in a ceremony filled with pomp.
The commander, Maj. Gen. Edward L. Andrews, declined to discuss the charges of sexual misconduct at the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School.
But he praised Aberdeen's soldiers and staff, and said he would continue the work begun by his predecessor, which includes presiding over the courts-martial of personnel accused of misconduct with female students.
The impact of the scandal has stretched from Aberdeen's enlisted personnel to its top officer.
Misconduct crimes -- ranging from consensual sex to rape -- were concentrated mainly among sergeants who served as trainers at the ordnance school. Some soldiers have been imprisoned as a result of courts-martial; others are awaiting trial.
Maj. Gen. John E. Longhouser, the former post commander, also was affected. He ended 32 years of Army duty by retiring last month after admitting he had an affair years ago while separated from his wife.
Longhouser became the subject of an inquiry after an anonymous tip about the affair was received over a telephone hot line established in the wake of misconduct charges at APG. The hot line also sparked misconduct investigations at other military installations around the world.
More of a shake-up could be in the works at Aberdeen.
The Army's Inspector General is preparing a report detailing the "command environment" at Aberdeen. For months, Army investigators have examined what have been described as "systemic problems" -- a command that allowed illegal sex between drill sergeants and female trainees to flourish.
In his new position, Andrews will command the 72,500-acre proving ground, which employs 13,000 military and civilian workers.
Pub Date: 7/15/97
