Posted on May 26, 2015
Politicians wearing the uniform when they are no longer serving?
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Yesterday at Memorial Day parade, I saw the State representative marching in the parade wearing her Marine uniform. She is no longer serving and she was announced as the state representative. While this was not a political event, I wondered about the appropriateness of wearing the uniform when you are not retired and somewhat representing your political office.
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 19
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Good question. I am rather comforted to see military veterans serving in government; I wish we had more of them.
But if the retired can wear the uniform in public I am not clear why elected representatives cannot - while it is clear that they are no longer serving and they do not speak for the military, they do speak for those they represent.
But if the retired can wear the uniform in public I am not clear why elected representatives cannot - while it is clear that they are no longer serving and they do not speak for the military, they do speak for those they represent.
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PFC Anthony Bruce
My one issue is by wearing the uniform while representing the current position they hold could cause people to think the military is supporting them.
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I don't know about the Marines, but she would be perfectly fine by Army standards.
For what it's worth, here's what AR 670-1 has to say:
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23–4. Former members of the Army
a. Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of 10 USC 772, former members of the Army may only wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. When authorized, the uniform may be worn only for the following ceremonial occasions and when traveling to and from the event and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
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For what it's worth, here's what AR 670-1 has to say:
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23–4. Former members of the Army
a. Unless qualified under another provision of this regulation, or under the provisions of 10 USC 772, former members of the Army may only wear the uniform if they served honorably during a declared or undeclared war, and if their most recent service was terminated under honorable conditions. Personnel who qualify under these conditions will wear the Army uniform in the highest grade they held during such war service, in accordance with 10 USC 772.
b. When authorized, the uniform may be worn only for the following ceremonial occasions and when traveling to and from the event and must follow guidance included in paragraph 3–7c.
(1) When attending military funerals, memorial services, weddings, inaugurals, and other occasions of ceremony.
(2) When attending parades on national or State holidays, or other patriotic parades or ceremonies in which any active or reserve U.S. military unit is taking part. Uniforms for these occasions are restricted to service and dress uniforms; the combat uniform and physical fitness uniforms will not be worn. Wearing the Army uniform at any other time, or for any other purpose than stated above, is prohibited.
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Suspended Profile
The most shocking part is that he was just inducted into the Military Hall of Fame in May 2023.
How? He claims 2 tours of Service in Vietnam which is fucking impossible He landed in Vietnam in June 1968 and was already at Valley Forge Hospital in Penn for Napalm burns in January 1969. Where he went through surgeries, and also states that he was enrolled in the University during this time frame. He joined the US ARMY in September 1966 went thru basic the OCS then JFKSPWARCEN at Ft. Bragg then back to Ft. Benning to be reassigned. He arrived in Vietnam in June 12 1968 Co F. 52 Inf LRP 1st Inf Div. by Sept
28 1968 he was assigned to HHC 1st Bn 26th Inf co. 1st Div. then Oct 1968 reassigned to Co.B 1st Bn 26th Inf. 1st Div. seriously wounded on Oct 29 th 1968 sent to Camp Zama Japan then transferred to Valley Forge Hospital Penn. January 1969 then medically retired July 1970.
HE WAS NEVER A MEMBER OF THE 75TH LRRPS! He was given an honorary membership given to him in 2007 then upgraded to regular membership.....does that mean honorary members are allowed to wear the flash, tab and scroll???
I have his Military Record that Stolen Valor sent to me.
Even his own book "Victor Six" never states a 2nd tour, his book claims that he entered a University in 1970.
EVEN HIS OWN BOOK STATES HE ARRIVED IN VIETNAM IN JUNE 1968 AND WAS ALREADY IN THE HOSPITAL IN USA JANUARY 1969 THEN MEDICALLY DISCHARGED IN JULY 1970. His book details only 3 times of being wounded. His book claims being at the 24th Evac at Long Binh for October 1968 and in his own book it shows a US Army photo of him dated 1969 at Valley Forge Hospital. You cant be at two places at the same time!!!
This photo was taken in January 1969 by the US ARMY where he was at the Valley Forge Hospital. SO WHEN WAS HIS 2ND TOUR OF VIETNAM???? No where on his Military record states he was transferred to the 75th LRRPS. The Final entry of his MOS 1542 DATE WAS OCTOBER 29TH 1968. FROM THEN DATE UNTIL HIS MEDICAL RETIREMENT IT STATES HIS MOS AS 0003.
Also According to The Sunday Bulletin March 16 1975 it states that David Christian made claims of having been wounded on Oct. 14, 21, 27, 29th with the 29th being the one that was the one that took him out of the war. He published his book in 1990 and many of his claims contradicted his early newspaper claims and public speeches. Stolen Valor stated that many veterans came forward claiming he was a fraud just like Bo Gritz, and Kerry who submitted recommendations for their own decorations. Stolen Valor stated the Congressional Members refuse to make any investigation or challenge the claims. Hmmmm? Maybe because he brought in a ton of donations for Veteran's Causes and Congressmen and was well compensated for the endearment of Veterans. Nothing is done for free! He traveled all over the world in 5 star Hotels, put all his children through Ivy League Unis. That takes a shitload of money!!! He claims his income is around a 250k a year. I do not believe it.....no way. Not with the Unis and traveling...
How? He claims 2 tours of Service in Vietnam which is fucking impossible He landed in Vietnam in June 1968 and was already at Valley Forge Hospital in Penn for Napalm burns in January 1969. Where he went through surgeries, and also states that he was enrolled in the University during this time frame. He joined the US ARMY in September 1966 went thru basic the OCS then JFKSPWARCEN at Ft. Bragg then back to Ft. Benning to be reassigned. He arrived in Vietnam in June 12 1968 Co F. 52 Inf LRP 1st Inf Div. by Sept
28 1968 he was assigned to HHC 1st Bn 26th Inf co. 1st Div. then Oct 1968 reassigned to Co.B 1st Bn 26th Inf. 1st Div. seriously wounded on Oct 29 th 1968 sent to Camp Zama Japan then transferred to Valley Forge Hospital Penn. January 1969 then medically retired July 1970.
HE WAS NEVER A MEMBER OF THE 75TH LRRPS! He was given an honorary membership given to him in 2007 then upgraded to regular membership.....does that mean honorary members are allowed to wear the flash, tab and scroll???
I have his Military Record that Stolen Valor sent to me.
Even his own book "Victor Six" never states a 2nd tour, his book claims that he entered a University in 1970.
EVEN HIS OWN BOOK STATES HE ARRIVED IN VIETNAM IN JUNE 1968 AND WAS ALREADY IN THE HOSPITAL IN USA JANUARY 1969 THEN MEDICALLY DISCHARGED IN JULY 1970. His book details only 3 times of being wounded. His book claims being at the 24th Evac at Long Binh for October 1968 and in his own book it shows a US Army photo of him dated 1969 at Valley Forge Hospital. You cant be at two places at the same time!!!
This photo was taken in January 1969 by the US ARMY where he was at the Valley Forge Hospital. SO WHEN WAS HIS 2ND TOUR OF VIETNAM???? No where on his Military record states he was transferred to the 75th LRRPS. The Final entry of his MOS 1542 DATE WAS OCTOBER 29TH 1968. FROM THEN DATE UNTIL HIS MEDICAL RETIREMENT IT STATES HIS MOS AS 0003.
Also According to The Sunday Bulletin March 16 1975 it states that David Christian made claims of having been wounded on Oct. 14, 21, 27, 29th with the 29th being the one that was the one that took him out of the war. He published his book in 1990 and many of his claims contradicted his early newspaper claims and public speeches. Stolen Valor stated that many veterans came forward claiming he was a fraud just like Bo Gritz, and Kerry who submitted recommendations for their own decorations. Stolen Valor stated the Congressional Members refuse to make any investigation or challenge the claims. Hmmmm? Maybe because he brought in a ton of donations for Veteran's Causes and Congressmen and was well compensated for the endearment of Veterans. Nothing is done for free! He traveled all over the world in 5 star Hotels, put all his children through Ivy League Unis. That takes a shitload of money!!! He claims his income is around a 250k a year. I do not believe it.....no way. Not with the Unis and traveling...
Suspended Profile
This is all based on: Captain David Alan Christian was commissioned as an Infantry Officer at 18 years of age. His first assignment was as the Intelligence/Combat Operations Officer, Company A, 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. CPT Christian was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Vietnam. Christian distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 October 1968 while in charge of the lead element of a recon-in-force mission ten miles northwest of Quan Loi. During an attempt to flank enemy positions, Christian's nine-man unit came under heavy rocket-propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire. After firing several light antitank weapons, he led an assault on the hostile strongholds, killing three North Vietnamese and causing others to flee. As he and his comrades advanced they again received intense small arms and machine gun fire and three men were wounded. Christian sent the casualties and the medic to the rear, and then led his troops forward until they became pinned down within 10 meters of a bunker. Disregarding his safety, he assaulted the fortification single-handedly and destroyed it with hand grenades. The communists were reinforced by approximately 30 men, forcing the reconnaissance team to take cover behind a berm. Despite the enemy's devastating fire superiority, Christian attacked them with 2 anti-tank weapons. He was seriously wounded, refused medical care and returned to the berm to direct artillery fire. When reinforcements arrived hours later, he directed them to cover his left flank while he attempted to evacuate his casualties. Although wounded again by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, he did not permit himself to be treated until the other injured men had been evacuated. Christian's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army. His service as an officer, included Special Forces (Green Berets) , 2 tours in Vietnam leading the LRRP/Rangers and then Recon 1st Infantry He returned for a 2nd tour, he incurred severe burns from Napalm, covering 40% of his body requiring 7 years of surgeries for recovery. .Following medical retirement, Christian continued his civilian education culminating in a Juris Doctorate at Rutgers University. He served as both National Commander and National Adjutant of the Legion of Valor, as well as founding United Vietnam Veterans Organization. His military education and training consists of: Infantry AIT, Infantry Officer Candidate School, Airborne School, and the United States Army Special Weapons School . .CPT Christian's military awards : Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Stars , Bronze Star, Purple Hearts , Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge et al. Captain Christian and his wife, residents of Bucks County, have raised four children and have six grandchildren.
When did he do a 2nd tour of Vietnam???? He NEVER LED 75TH LRRPS Because it was formed in Jan 1969 but did not start any active duty until February 1969. Christian was at Camp Zama Japan before arriving at Valley Forge Hospital in Jan 1969.
David Christian was already in USA Jan 1969 US Army photo and his records reflect this.
He was with the Co. F 52nd LRP 1st Inf Div from June 11, 1968 until transferred to HHC 1st Bt 26th Inf 1st Div in Sept 28 1968. etc.
When did he do a 2nd tour of Vietnam???? He NEVER LED 75TH LRRPS Because it was formed in Jan 1969 but did not start any active duty until February 1969. Christian was at Camp Zama Japan before arriving at Valley Forge Hospital in Jan 1969.
David Christian was already in USA Jan 1969 US Army photo and his records reflect this.
He was with the Co. F 52nd LRP 1st Inf Div from June 11, 1968 until transferred to HHC 1st Bt 26th Inf 1st Div in Sept 28 1968. etc.
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GO READ HIS BOOK VICTOR SIX and tell me if his claims make any sense. BTW He lied about his education as well, he failed 3 times then sued to be readmitted and they just gave him his degree. I have those records also. The man DID PERFORM a great deal for the benefits in helping Veterans and no one is disputing his service time in Vietnam. But he embellished his record, his earning decorations and made a ton of money from off all of HERO stories. The man is a shameless self promoter who did a great deal of lying about his education and used the Veterans to enrich himself along the way! If any one bothered to actually do the research you would find this out yourselves. If this had been an Enlisted Man doing this same exact scenario that EM would be sitting in prison!
Suspended Profile
On 1 February 1969 the above units became 75th Infantry (Ranger) companies except for Co. D, l5lst Infantry (LRP) of the Indiana National Guard which only dropped the (LRP) designation but added the (Ranger) designation. Department of the Army ordered that the above shown units would now be designated as shown below.
UNIT MAJOR COMMAND PERIOD OF SERVICE
ncoberet.jpg
Co A (Ranger),75th Infantry Ft Benning / Ft Hood 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Oct. 1974
Co B (Ranger),75th Infantry Ft Carson / Ft Lewis 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Oct. 1974
Co C (Ranger),75th Infantry I Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Oct. 1971
Co D (Ranger),151st Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb. 1969 – 20 Nov. 1969
Co D (Ranger),75th Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 20 Nov. 1969 – 10 Apr. 1970
Co E (Ranger),75th Infantry 9th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 12 Oct. 1970
Co F (Ranger),75th Infantry 25th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Mar 1971
Co G (Ranger),75th Infantry 23rd Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 1 Oct. 1971
Co H (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Cavalry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Aug. 1972
Co I (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 7 Apr. 1970
Co K (Ranger),75th Infantry 4th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 10 Dec. 1970
Co L (Ranger),75th Infantry 1O1st Airmobile Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Dec. 1971
Co M (Ranger),75th Infantry 199th Infantry Brigade 1 Feb. 1969 – 12 Oct. 1970
Co N (Ranger),75th Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Aug. 1971
Co 0 (Ranger),75th Infantry 3rd Brigade,82nd Abn. 1 Feb. 1969 – Division 20 Nov. 1969
Co P (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Brigade, 5th Mech. 1 Feb. 1969 – Division 31 Aug. 1971
UNIT MAJOR COMMAND PERIOD OF SERVICE
ncoberet.jpg
Co A (Ranger),75th Infantry Ft Benning / Ft Hood 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Oct. 1974
Co B (Ranger),75th Infantry Ft Carson / Ft Lewis 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Oct. 1974
Co C (Ranger),75th Infantry I Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Oct. 1971
Co D (Ranger),151st Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 1 Feb. 1969 – 20 Nov. 1969
Co D (Ranger),75th Infantry II Field Force Vietnam 20 Nov. 1969 – 10 Apr. 1970
Co E (Ranger),75th Infantry 9th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 12 Oct. 1970
Co F (Ranger),75th Infantry 25th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Mar 1971
Co G (Ranger),75th Infantry 23rd Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 1 Oct. 1971
Co H (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Cavalry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 15 Aug. 1972
Co I (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 7 Apr. 1970
Co K (Ranger),75th Infantry 4th Infantry Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 10 Dec. 1970
Co L (Ranger),75th Infantry 1O1st Airmobile Division 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Dec. 1971
Co M (Ranger),75th Infantry 199th Infantry Brigade 1 Feb. 1969 – 12 Oct. 1970
Co N (Ranger),75th Infantry 173rd Airborne Brigade 1 Feb. 1969 – 25 Aug. 1971
Co 0 (Ranger),75th Infantry 3rd Brigade,82nd Abn. 1 Feb. 1969 – Division 20 Nov. 1969
Co P (Ranger),75th Infantry 1st Brigade, 5th Mech. 1 Feb. 1969 – Division 31 Aug. 1971
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Sir, I believe its a bit of both. I respect that she wanted to show her affiliation with the Marine Corps and show pride for her service, but I also believe that once your out of service your uniform should stay out of service unless you received a full retirement, and wear it only in certain circumstances. Its a Military Holiday yes, but it's a day to memorialize those we have lost not those who have served...that day is in November. Would I have said anything to her personally, probably not, but do I wish she showed her military affiliation in another way YES.
On another note, I do think we need more Veterans in Local, State, and National offices to help "tighten the shot group" of the policies that we all fall under, so for that I say good on her!!
On another note, I do think we need more Veterans in Local, State, and National offices to help "tighten the shot group" of the policies that we all fall under, so for that I say good on her!!
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1LT William Clardy
SSG(P) (Join to see), the AR clearly authorizes "former members of the Army" who served honorably and were discharged honorably -- there is no requirement for being in the Retired Reserve.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
1LT William Clardy , the issue isn't the status of separation, though I did mention it, the issue was the wear of the Battle Uniform. This was about a female Marine not a Soldier, so the AR is irrelevant in this argument, but I'm sure that under MCO P1020.34G (the Marine Corps Uniform Regulation) there is mention of the Dress Uniform and not the Battle Uniform.
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1LT William Clardy
Sorry, SSG(P) (Join to see), I was keying off the ALL-CAPS points as the ones you were emphasizing most, hence my attempt to correct your misperception that only retirees are authorized to wear the uniform after leaving active duty.
I totally missed your comment about her wearing a combat uniform -- although our thoughts were running parallel in that regard as I tried to emphasize that restriction in the Army reg.
I totally missed your comment about her wearing a combat uniform -- although our thoughts were running parallel in that regard as I tried to emphasize that restriction in the Army reg.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
No worries 1LT William Clardy , I have tried and tried to pull up the Marine Reg (MCO P1020.34G), but I'm having a hard time getting it to come up. I can only assume its close to the Army reg..
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