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

He should have gotten bumped all the way down to PVT and a dishonorable discharged on top of jail time, because I can guarantee he would have done the same to anyone that would have been under his command.

I would address the crime and suitable punishment. As a SSGT in the Marine Corps I was given the privilege of leading other Marines both in combat and garrison environments. I had to earn their respect as a person but did have a certain amount of respect because of rank. That meant I had an obligation to honor the "code" and present myself as an example. If I screwed up, I knew I would be held accountable and any punishment would be given swiftly and evenly. My actions would be held to a higher standard as it should have been. I have a hard time believing my SgtMaj would attempt to deceive in such a manner the men he served with. However, if he did, then he would first be removed from his billet and put somewhere he would not influence others. If the offense warranted further disciplinary action, he could be reduced in rank, loss of pay or incarcerated. If the offense was really bad, separation from the service was also on the table. This soldier being discussed has disgraced not only himself but the office he holds and all those he leads. I personally would think receiving the rank he holds would be proof he was a good soldier at some time or another. However, the charges also suggest he thinks he needs to impress others and to be all he could be but feels like he has failed somewhere and needs to 'make up' that deficiency. The message he sends to the troops could be highly contagious and damage the integrity of his unit. For this reason, if it was my duty to serve at a courts-martial, he would at least be reduced in rank, removed from his current billet, fined and allowed to resign but would not draw E-9 retirement but whatever his final rank would warrant. This would send the message to all troops that honesty and integrity are paramount. May seem harsh but given the fact he has been doing this for a long time; punishment should fit the crime. As far as giving consideration to his family, it is quite obvious that he didn't think about his family when he did the deed. I share empathy for the family but they would have no bearing in my vote.

I think jail time alone isn't the correct response. As a CSM he knew better. I say bust him down to an E-7. it's obvious when a senior leader contentiously decides to do the wrong thing over and over he has a lack of character, honor, and integrity. Perhaps after his six months, public humiliation and being bust back to E-7 he can retire at that pay grade. No longer leading and mentoring soldiers in the wrong direction.

Last I knew every soldier in the Army was to uphold the core values and I think this CSM failed to do so. Namely Respect, Honor, and INTEGRITY.

I think is too harsh in my opinion. Where I am station a male homosexual Soldier sexually assaulted a male Soldier and he got only 20 months of confinement. The SGM did not hurt anyone and the fact that he has been humiliate plus the fact that his carrear is over is punishment enough. I am retiring in two months and I have see lots of stuff in 23 years and this punishment is not proportioned

Punish yes. But jail time is an over-reaction.

Should have received a more harsh punishment. I have seen NCOs punished more for less severe crimes. Being that he was a military leader, he knew what he was doing, and therefore put his actions before his family. Why should he get special treatment or a lesser punishment for the sake of his family? I have seen firsthand military families torn apart because of the stupidity of all kinds of military members from private to General. All military leaders earn their rank, and their awards by doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. Isn't this what we all live by?

I couldn't imagine knowing a SGTMAJ from any command that I have been in getting busted for wearing medals that they haven't earned or deserved. I believe it is all in the rank, and that is what is respected the most outside of honorary medals like Medal of Honor or Purple Heart. It is a disgrace in my mind, and should be reprimanded for it.

I don't feel like it is enough. He is going to do his time at a lesser rank, and still retire at the highest rank achieved as far as pay is concerned. To me, that is BS.

no idea what the penalty should be, other than not being allowed to lead troops at any level again, probably should have lost his rank, retired, and made an example of with active duty troops all being told about this in the enlisted corps. Not sure if prison was needed

Not enough. Being an top enlisted personnel I hold him to higher standard than I would some idiot off the street, and most Officers who had never served in the ranks who don't the slightest idea what goes on in the ranks. It is his job to make sure things are done by the rules and regulation. It just sad when you can't trust senior Enlisted man to be honest about their decorations to show the respect we expect other enlisted people and to help set the example to junior Officers for the valor for the uniform. Just sad.