CSM sentenced for wearing/claiming fake medals. What do you think of his penalty?

I think that this is funny, because I just went over the MCM with my Soldiers last week for STT. Under Article 107 (False Official Statements), the maximum punishment is Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 5 years. I understand that the Judge threw away one of the Art 107 charges, but that still leaves 3 charges which face that punishment, as well as the 10 from Art 134. He should have received the 25 years, with a DHD and the demotion to PVT. I think he got off light, he wore the one ribbon from 2006 until he was caught in 2010.

This happens a lot more then we know and at times people get off easy. We need to set the example in a way it discourages future actions. I agree with MAJ Petrarca in that prison is not the place, but a hit to their records and benefits should be fitting.

Here is an interesting thought. Could anyone who had ever been punished by this guy like a reprimand get a reprieve in their record since this guy was not honorably serving in his positions as an NCO?

I believe this is fair. CSMs are supposed to set an example for the rest of us, officers and enlisted alike. What's worse, he was in uniform and actively serving. While the sentencing was fair, I'm surprised the General didn't bust him all the way down to Private... He is too old for that behavior and it sets a bad example for the rest of us.

He should have been reduce to Private..now i know why i had to retire as an E8. holding an E9 position for so many years holding back other honest and hard working NCO's.

In my opinion, this offense does not rise to a level requiring jail time. That is too harsh. I believe he should receive a General Officer letter of reprimand in his permanent file for his lapse in judgement (the career kiss of death). The demotion to E6 Staff Sergeant is justifiable and should follow him into retirement as his highest paid grade. He apparently was a decent soldier at one time in his career to make it to CSM, he should receive something for his many years of honorable service. A bar to re-enlistment, forced separation and retirement should also apply. And the humiliation he should now feel for failing to live up to the Army values of honor and integrity, and the disgrace he has brought upon himself and his family is punishment enough. This punishment will also serve as adequate notice to those who would embellish their record of service.

They should have reduced his rank, pay grade then restricted him to the unit area for 45 days and then receive a dishonorable discharge. They should set and maintain the standards for everyone in the military from the top to the bottom! Having served my time and seeing the way the military does things, it's surprising they did this to him, usually they just reassign them or allow the senior enlisted or senior officer to retire. The chain of command uses the UCMJ to their advantage. They tell the lower enlisted that it is law and the seniors when they get caught breaking the rules, it's only a guide line.

They can hammer you pretty good if they bust you while your still in. For some stupid reason once you get out it becomes "Freedom of Expression" thing that you can lie your ass off. Considering what I've seen in the past it would seem a bit Harsh but I would say it is about right. As a Past Master at Arms I was always struck by the "Fairness Doctrine" in Military Law. Can you imagine if the Civilians had that and how it would be abused by Criminals. Not that I'm bitching, I was very proud of that "Fairness Doctrine".

Big Chicken Dinner!!!!

Lots of people wear ribbons they didn't earn but they have orders. The division commander of the Americal Division was reduced one grade for covering up the My Lai Massacre.