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

Prison is way too harsh. I think that forced retirement for his actions and a possible demotion to E8 would be plenty. The embarrassment alone would be punishment. 6 months in jail for a non-violent offense is a waste of money to the taxpayer.

I originally said "Too harsh" but not because I believed the sentence was too much. I think the sentence should have been different.

Prison time for this kind of crime doesn't sit well with me. Although the criminal loses his freedom, he does so at tax payer expense. The reduction to Staff Sergeant, IMHO, leaves a stain on the NCO Corps that other Senior Enlisted would deeply resent.

I would have preferred reduction to Specialist (E-4), surrender of 6-month's pay and allowances, Bad Conduct Discharge, and 6-months of mandatory public service at a Dept of Veterans Affairs Hospital.

MAJ Petraca got it right. There is no place in the military for people with any lack of integrity.
I had the opportunity to get away with being awarded The Purple Heart and I could not do it. I didn't deserve it because the injury happened on the range on the range not in a firefight.
Some people just never learn.

Personally I do not believe prison time is warranted. He didn't steal, rape or kill anyone. yes I know stolen valor. Not the issue here. What his "crime" comes down to is violating the trust and confidence of his subordinates. As despicable as the offenses are. I just don't see jail time being warranted.

I do think take a lot of money away and a reduction in grade below the NCO ranks is called for as well as a General Discharge under Honorable conditions.

Don't understand the reduction to Staff Sergeant at all. Maybe that was the limit the court could go to. But don't think so.

My thoughts anyway....

I think that as a CSM he should be judged MORE harshly, not less. There is absolutely no possible excuse for his actions. None. This is not a private taking a picture for his family and wanting to look "cooler", this is a senior enlisted adviser with full knowledge of what he was doing. He planned it out, bought the ribbons/medals, had them mounted in the proper order, the whole nine yards. He should be stripped of all rank, privileges, and benefits and thrown out on his ass.

I'm curious why an E-9 would lie about their experiences, he's probably done a lot of interesting things and has some great stories to tell without making any of it up

He should have gotten a dishonorable discharge for conduct unbecoming of a Non-Commissioned Officer and a soldier period

As a retired SGM, I feel he got of too light! He admitted he was guilty and he knew what he did. As a SNCO, we are suppose to set the example. What should have happened was to be stood infront of his entire unit, his Commander yank his rank and read a sentence of 20yrs hard labor, then marched of at an MP escort. Full and public!

Senior NCO"s must lead by example, knowledge and putting his subordinates first. A good leader does not need these awards to do his job. Those who think they do , probably has other issues also.

MCPO USN RET

As a Senior NCO, he should have been exceeding the standard, not blatantly ignoring it. He should have been busted down to SPC. If you cannot uphold the rules and regulations as a leader, then what are you saying (through your actions) to junior Soldiers?