How many fakes and liars are on RallyPoint?

2015-05-01T05:24:29-04:00

So, I recently had, what I have determined through copious amounts of research, a liar respond to some of my posts (questions and comments I submitted). The fakes are a given, because I know they're out there. So, from your stand-point, how would you handle a liar, who is embellishing their career. They have indeed served, but it is dead-to-rights obvious that they're full of it, i.e. TIG/TIS doesn't match up to an impossibility. Is it even worth it? Or maybe I'm wrong, and the Army changed it's standards at some point during my career, but I just was never aware of it.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 1 at 2015 5:30 AM

2015-05-01T05:30:21-04:00

In the couple weeks I have been active on here, I have not noticed any blatant fakes or liars yet. I am sure there must be some based on the law of probability, but to me, they have been elusive.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 1 at 2015 5:38 AM

2015-05-01T05:38:20-04:00

I've not encountered any posers here in over a year. There have been some controversial and some disrespectful posters but the RP staff and the community has been able to police them.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made May 1 at 2015 5:44 AM

2015-05-01T05:44:53-04:00

My advice is don't waste your time on it. I understand what you mean and every time some super HOOAH, arrogant grunt elaborates about all the supposed combat he's seen, I want to call him out but it's just not worth it. They know they're lying and so do we. Let them embarrass themselves.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 1 at 2015 5:57 AM

2015-05-01T05:57:17-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I'm in agreement with SSG V. Michelle Woods ... Don't waste you effort/time... They'll waste even more of their... and yours... time trying to prove they aren't posers. If you want to say something simple... Give them a thumbs down. Just a thought,.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 6:09 AM

2015-05-01T06:09:24-04:00

As an admin, I would suggest if you see something that is blatantly not right flag their profile or send one of us admins a note and we will look into it, but fall on your sword doing it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 6:33 AM

2015-05-01T06:33:13-04:00

I haven’t seen any serious liars yet, but I have seen some embellishment and some drama queens.

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made May 1 at 2015 6:38 AM

2015-05-01T06:38:52-04:00

If you're concerned about it enough to do something, flag the profile.

It is worth noting that some units of assignment might look "off" due to restructuring and realignment. My own profile seems off due to multiple units moving over the last 24 years. (E.g., 92d Chemical BN is now affiliated with a unit out of Georgia, but was out of the 90th RSC when I served...and many others.)

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 1 at 2015 7:06 AM

2015-05-01T07:06:13-04:00

It all comes out in the wash.

It may not be today or tomorrow, and you may not be around to witness it, but it will happen...

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 1 at 2015 7:10 AM

2015-05-01T07:10:34-04:00

Liars are everywhere. Especially online. I believe only half of what I see online and I sleep better at night. The truth always has a way of leaking out

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 1 at 2015 7:37 AM

2015-05-01T07:37:54-04:00

You could always call them on it. This is a Military community, and as such, isn't really known for it's shyness. Give them a chance to defend themselves, make corrections, or go down in flames.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 1 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-05-01T08:58:42-04:00

Personally, I have not seen it. Yes, there are posts that I don't like. with that being said, here is the bottom line rub on this: THIS IS A SOCIAL MEDIA SITE. Yes, it has a military background...but what is the military? a reflection of the total population of our great nation. There may be some. Like Facebook, Wikipedia, Google, and all things internet AND Interpersonal (in person, if that still exists) you MUST make your own decisions on how to act/react. I, personally, choose to ignore that which I don't like, unless I need to address it. At that time, I address it as I see required. Then press on. I loose no sleep over social media, as real life calls and takes priority! (SORRY RP.... I call it like it is! Great site for learning and mentorship, will NEVER deny that....but life supersedes for me.)

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made May 1 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-05-01T09:06:17-04:00

As long as they served, I don't usually make it my 'duty' or responsibility to prove what they did or didn't do. It makes me look like an ass, makes them look like an ass, and in the end, what did I really gain from it? Not much.

If someone is claiming to be special forces, and they aren't, they are pathetic. They have to live with that. Odds are, people can smell the deception.

Don't get me wrong, I don't like it at all. It IS irritating. It IS pathetic. I just don't have the time, energy, or desire to get into a pissing match with someone over whether they did or didn't do something.

Just my opinion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-05-01T09:46:31-04:00

I would be more concerned with the lack of integrity within our ranks as a whole. Lack of integrity fosters from a lack of accountability. Without accountability of ones actions what is there to consider when any ethical or moral decisions are to be made? Too many only care when the infraction directly affects them; it is far and few between when you see someone do what's right for the sake of others, rather than potential consequences of oneself. ---Focus more on what the people say, rather than what they portray statistically; true leaders are known for the character not their adornments!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-05-01T10:02:07-04:00

We all know they're out there, but do we have to tolerate them?

What if RP used something like ID.me to verify service? It wouldn't stop actual veterans from claiming to have served within a specialty they didn't, but it WOULD halt those who never served from joining.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-05-01T10:31:13-04:00

I come from a different school of logic on this. I have and will continue to call them out. I don't do it by yelling at them about they get what I am saying. I have seen some here with a pic that doesn't line up with what they have in their Profile. I have seen some attempt to push a false image and try to make others believe that they have done more than they have. I will tell you right now. I am in the National Guard. I don't need to prove anything to anyone here. But I have done a lot in my ,roughly, 14 years in. If a young soldier steps up to me with that Guard BS I will crush them. If they can hash it out then they are big enough to get served it also.

I wouldn't say "Hey shitbag......" but something to he affect of "how were you a scout when you were a 42A in Iraq?"

But I wouldn't let it pass. To many will for it. The ones who knew better should crush it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 1 at 2015 10:32 AM

2015-05-01T10:32:55-04:00

Nobody has ever really stood out in my mind as being “odd”, but in fairness I’m prior service, so for me it’s normal for people to not know what some of my awards or schools are. So when I see something “odd”, it doesn’t occur to me that it’s fake, only that it’s something I haven’t done..

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made May 1 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-05-01T10:38:58-04:00

In this worldwide web environment you will drag all types into any site out there. I am with a lot of you on the point of if I have to defend my service, I'm inclined to depart. I see no gain for those individuals if they are liars or fakes, what are they trying to gain in this virtual world, "BIT COINS" "RP Medal" inflating a career or assignments virtually, doesn't do anything for you other to have folks block or disconnect from you.

If it makes them sleep better at night portraying more than they are, then enjoy. I won't waste my time or breathe challenging something like that ever. I'm pretty sure the odds of meeting in RL is not going to happen.

Response by 1SG David Niles made May 1 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-05-01T11:32:59-04:00

Personally I don't care unless it is a stolen valor kind of thing. Embellishment is not stolen valor. Not all careers are the same, not all branches do the same thing the same way, so how are you going to prove it? I was a Staff Sergeant for a year, I was a buck for five, I was a SFC for five. They have waivers for TIG and TIS. I would worry about my own career not someone elses

Response by SGT John Rauch made May 1 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-05-01T11:38:45-04:00

dont call them out publicly, send them a message, something like hey Im on to you or just a simple cease and desist.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 1 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-05-01T12:57:49-04:00

They tend to open their mouth and remove all doubt. So far I haven't seen it, but then again I'm not looking for it. My eyes tend to glaze over when someone is talking about an experience. I'm more interested in what they learned, did after, or did not do. That's where the life growing occurs. Guess that's why my conversation at the bar is more color commentary than experience.

I recall a thread about someone feeling down because they essentially did a quiet career. He served with distinction in my book. I relished the quiet portions of my career as it allowed me to focus more on family and professional growth.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 1 at 2015 1:01 PM

2015-05-01T13:01:55-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member I served in the 182nd Airborne, The Screaming Mountains. My Combat Patch is the hook part of the velcro. We get a PPD shot everyday, before our daily PT test, that we do in ASUs that are inspected shortly after. We have been deployed to every major conflict, examples being; Taco Tuesday in Toledo, Bridal show in Birmingham, and Walmart on black friday. I have every top secret award that I cannot talk about and cannot wear becuase even I don't have enough security clearance for them. I trained Navy Rangers and Army Sea Lions to conduct underground operations in Fargo, ND. All company commanders for the 182nd are four star Generals and I was the best at what I did. I single handedly stopped the final Battle of Mordor with my hand held mortar tubes. I personally lost 12 Zulu Team members during the Battle of Wounded elbow.

I too are tired of these liars. But don't worry most of the 182nd is working on a solution. All I can say to avoid a violations of UCMJ/OPSEC is it involves a toothpick, dominos, and 400 gallons of jello.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 1 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-05-01T14:05:17-04:00

Most real veterans who have experienced the real bad ass stuff usually don't brag about it to strangers. I have met a lot of "SEALs/ SF/ CAG" in my time but never a fake cook or mechanic. If I heard a crazy story from them I'd believe it lol.

Response by SSG Ronald Williams made May 1 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-05-01T14:24:51-04:00

I think you will always have to deal with this on Rally Point. It is a civilian run site. I would message them and call them out on it privately first. Always gonna be posers and haters. This site is far better than Facebook for that, on Facebook you have "Special Forces" that have never served a day in their lives...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-05-01T17:03:35-04:00

Honestly, it's not even worth it...it's not like they're getting a leg up on on a selection board or anything....if they feel the need to embellish their stats on an unofficial forum, then chances are people in real life and in official capacities can see right through them in person...just save your breath for someone more deserving

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-05-01T17:59:44-04:00

The Army has changed some standards but I don't think TIG and TIS are any of them.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 1 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-05-01T21:33:41-04:00

If you see a validated member, we validated them based on their paperwork submitted. VA id cards are one of the approved forms of identification, but they don't list rank. If a member sends a DD 214 with the rank SGT/E-5 and their profile states O-6, I personally throw the BS flag and refuse to validate. What is to stop someone who IS validated to change their rank after the fact? Members can change rank, MOS/job, TIS/TIG, etc etc. CW5 Private RallyPoint Member and I have seen forms of ID used that had rank and name photo-shopped on them and had a great time laughing at them. They are out there in force; why, I have no idea.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 1 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-05-01T21:40:23-04:00

Insinuations are all well and good. But let's deal with this like honest men/women. Say exactly what you mean, call out those you think deserve it. And as always be prepared to admit your mistake if your assumptions were incorrect.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-05-01T22:40:32-04:00

I found this to be a fact in the stories I have read here. I am sick and saw your post . It makes me sicker listening to the one uppers . I know who I am and how many years I spent what I did where I went and so on. But I do not know anyone here from my time in service . I removed my information because I don't have time for this form . Or that people are using it as a political plug trying to tell someone how to vote or what to think. I do not need or have time for this .
I am too sick to care what anyone thinks of me . I have a background in engineering and education inside and outside of my military life . I have read some post of some who claimed to have backgrounds in areas I have taught for more than 20 years. Who were just repeating stories they have heard or the lies they made up them self.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 1 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-05-01T23:47:52-04:00

I don't look into every person who wants to add me or send me a message unless I need to. I also absolutely lack the time and energy to do that. Like others have stated, everyone has a developed different career paths. Some folks are not very good at in putting their data into the profile section or its difficult to remember. Unless they are asking for money, I wouldn't be too concerned.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-05-02T12:27:05-04:00

Have not encountered any yet on RP, though have on other forums. I have always found them amusing, and have enjoyed getting a few laughs at their expense, and then move on with my life. They are not hurting anyone but themselves, and I for one will not give them a chance to hurt my feelings or reputation by feeding the trolls.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-05-02T14:15:15-04:00

Stolen Valor on a Social Media outlet! "Say it aint so!!!" ... Its inevitable for some of these jokers to embelish on their career's. Integrity is key with this. Can you judge someone without actually knowing them? Not really. Its not really a big deal on here, however if I catch some motorscooter embelishing their careers out here in the real world I am going to call you out and ensure that you fall subject to the consequences!!!

Response by SFC Jeff Gurchinoff made May 2 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-05-02T14:39:37-04:00

This has been a fun read thanks for posting... It would appear though you are butthurt from being out Hooah'd and are (even more absurdly) of the opinion you can discern every possible combination of service scenarios in order to make your allegations.

If he/she is a fake they are what they are. Do what you gotta do.

I'd probably just shake my head and go about my day, BTW my good conduct ribbons don't match up with my years of service.... I'd keep an eye on me, you know, if I were someone that wanted to spend hours investigating the life of someone I've never met or will likely have no further contact with

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 2 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-05-02T14:42:23-04:00

I will admit that I am a big fake. I started out early in my career humble and Being All I Could Be when I first joined, but then I got so full of myself I became an Army of One. When that didn't work for me, I told everyone I was Army Strong.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 2 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-05-02T16:57:55-04:00

Maintain OPSEC?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-05-02T17:40:51-04:00

Yea, don't waste your time with their BS. It's annoying, I get it. But they are just disappointed in themselves and know that they are full of crap. What comes around, goes around and they will never amount to much in life. So just focus on your accomplishments, and make them wish they were you.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made May 2 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-05-02T18:35:40-04:00

So much has changed since I left the service that there are MANY things mentioned here with which I am unfamiliar. I chalk it up to just things I haven't done.

I left active duty and decided to get paid during my inactive reserve time by joining the NG. Less than a year later we were activated and I was back full time. We deployed for Operation Desert Storm. It was a transportation unit. Sure, we saw some unusual and dangerous things, but no direct combat.

A few months after we returned to the US my mother asked me about our service. One of the guys was telling women he had PTSD because of his "combat duty".

I reassured Mom that I had told her the truth about our service and that this guy was full of it.

Response by SSG Ronald Williams made May 2 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-05-02T20:42:41-04:00

I remember this was a BIG PROBLEM when I was a Yankee Colonel in the Civil War.....things never change....

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 2 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-05-02T20:48:34-04:00

1 is too many and I am sure there is more than that. Not that I can prove it, but it is bound to happen.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-05-02T21:07:09-04:00

If i was in the mood to deal with them, i would turn them into the admin here after giving them a piece of my mind.

However, that is a double-edged sword. For instance... My early career in the enlisted navy does not match up with the majority of the rest of the enlisted world. Almost every other Rate in the Navy need TIR E1 to E3 and need to take a test for E4. For my Rate we got Auto E3 and were "push-button" E4 right after Nuclear "A" school. Sometimes there are just less conventional methods. But if they are VERY READILY DIFFERENTIATED then report them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-05-02T23:23:17-04:00

Maybe they have Alzheimer's. Otherwise, get them to meet you, then beat the crap out of them. No seriously, it's not worth spending time on it. Block the person and report the person and behavior to the group administration.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 2 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-05-02T23:26:09-04:00

Thanks for bring this up I have not listed my decorations on my profile, because I don't think it's that important. Yet, how does one go about changing a flaw on there DD214? I have a ARCOM that isn't represented on my form.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made May 3 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-05-03T00:27:03-04:00

There was already a much longer thread here on RP about the needs for Verification(s).

Unfortunately it isn't illegal to lie (in general, unless you can make a case fit there), nor would RP have much legal course there...I didn't really ever WANT to question RP about anything, but under that Verification thread, I had to pose the question about...What legal authority does RP have to collect up those verification(s)? ...I have still not gotten any answer there, thus I assume there isn't any. And if that's the case, then I dunno if RP has any real recourse to legally call out a liar, either.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking the side of the embellishment types. And as far as Im concerned, if MY OWN Honorable Discharge said E1, and only a single ribbon, the NDSM...then as a Marine Infantryman...no embellishments could ever add a thing.

Perhaps Gunny Ekblad can shed us some light on these things? =)

Semper Fi

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 3 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-05-03T09:02:26-04:00

I've always thought of it this way... I served 20 years in Civil Engineering. I did some really cool stuff. I didn't jump out of planes or on to hand grenades. If I embellish how I served then it discredits and minimizes all that I did do. I believe every service member that gave their all to their specially provided a valuable service. I feel sorry for those only feel proud of their service by inflating it. I don't spend a lot of time trying to discern the truth in "service stories" because I'm thankful that they simply served.

Response by MSG Johancharles Boers made May 3 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-05-03T12:13:11-04:00

Call them on it, but remain professional. Being professional is what sets us apart. I have seen a lot of the stolen valor videos and some of them are out and out funny...but in a majority of them, the person calling them out loses their bearing and which in turn, in my opinion, doesn't put th in good light....BTW - I hate posers as well and it makes my blood boil, but I always try to maintain my cool and bearing.

Response by SPC David S. made May 3 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-05-03T13:13:54-04:00

If they are are talking about valor awards I'm with calling them out. If it's some fish tale where they were taking on the whole Japanese Army I'd just laugh on.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-05-03T17:58:42-04:00

I am sure there are plenty of both on here (I believe Capt Private RallyPoint Member said it best) but what I find even more distasteful are the members that "troll" a thread or argue for the sake of arguing. I personally try not to let the conversation degrade on my end by reminding myself to maintain my military bearing and professionalism. However, the overall impression I have from this is not a very positive one and in their efforts it makes THEM appear unprofessional taking credibility away from their argument. And let's be honest anyone who knows anything can tell.

SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP' (sheesh could it be any harder to tag you! lol I should be able to type @JP and you pop up....just sayin') knows that I will be quick to hit him up if I find something questionable or otherwise. ;)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-05-03T18:09:16-04:00

I'm not really sure how to address this. Most liars are fakes and fakes are liars. I know what I did and received awards for. If someone doesn't believe me, that's their problem. Im not going to lower myself to their standards by showing them any proof of any kind, that I embellish, lie, or make up anything about my two years active and four years inactive. Not any of you have to prove anything you did, unless you're tying to make someone believe something that's not true. In this day and age, a DD-214, orders, anything can be falsified. I made E-5 under two, not because I did anything special, but because we lost one our E-5 in a helicopter crash. I just happened to be the next SP-4 to be in line. I agree with SSG V. Michelle Woods , that it's a waste of time to worry about it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-05-03T18:35:27-04:00

If you want to hear some " good stories " from vets, join VHPA or VHCMA. If you contribute something and some of the "authorities" don't believe it, BOOM ! You have a flame war. I belonged to VHCMA for a few years, but I couldn't take all the flame wars. One problem was that VHPA members could get on VHCMA, but no VHCMA members could be on VHPA. a lot of the pilots were authorities on everything. If there are any VHPA members on RP, you know what I'm writing about.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made May 3 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-05-03T19:43:57-04:00

If I wanted to lie about my service, I would and should be called out. I would also be an embarrassment to the uniform we all wear or wore. I have no reason to lie about what I have earned and would discourage anyone who do. I do, however, pity those who do lie, because they are just embarrassing themselves, anyway.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 3 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-05-03T20:12:39-04:00

It is kind of funny you mention this. I will tap lightly only because I feel that any service is better than no service, but I personally know someone who served 6 years, and constantly they talk down those who served next to them to civilians, would make comments like you suggest and just basically act as "stolen valor" even though they served. It is embarrassing to be in situations where I know they are talking "mad smack" about good Soldiers and I just let them go. I like to lead by my actions and respect those whom I serve with "even if I don't know you or served WITH you".

I tend to refer to this previously serving Solder as with "stolen valor" having served.

Response by SSG Latisha Y. made May 3 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-05-03T20:20:30-04:00

The sad thing is we live in a world of world wide web personalities, where it is easy to "fudge" the truth. You have many who want to "create the life", but would they be willing to endure or go through what it took to earn the stripes? It's pointless to try to argue a persons "truth/lie" life. Just keep your head up and walk in the honor that you gained and received as a serviceman. Let them deal with the aftermath of having to always create a lie to continue a lie. Eventually it will catch up to them..#dontsweatthesmallstuff!!! God has allowed you to live to tell YOUR story and how YOU made it.

Response by SN Jeff Powell made May 3 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-05-03T21:39:11-04:00

My thing is to keep doing well. Every bit of energy you look into something that do not add up subtract. Stay clear and positive so that you can remain constructive and productive.

"When mining our own business we always but always end up with Diamonds Rubies Gold and Pearls" - Jeff Powell

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 4 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-05-04T00:50:15-04:00

I would not waste your time. You well know, there are plenty of fakers and posers out there... and I am sure they are in here. Avoid them, and don't waste your time. Trust your instincts.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 4:17 AM

2015-05-04T04:17:27-04:00

These types of people are only destroying their careers in the long run, but it is frustrating as all hell.

Response by Sgt Den OBrien made May 4 at 2015 5:12 AM

2015-05-04T05:12:59-04:00

It's not just on RallyPoint. Since 1968 I've met aprox 5,000 people born after 1965 that were in RVN for "Tet". 1,112,134 guys that were "there" but were on secret ops in Cambodia, with secret units, that had secret service records, and now the VA,VFW,Al Legion and AmVets won't acknowledge them because their stuff is so secret that it all had to be destroyed by the government. I've also met 18,453,119 "Tuskeegee Airmen" that served in WW II even though they were 4 years old at the time. At least the Marines don't bullshit. I've only met 16,112,991 guys that were recon in Nam and only 772 guys that went to "secret bootcamps" other than Parris Island and San Diego. I am thankful that I'm not drinking anymore. I no longer wake up with mysterious cuts and bruises on my hands, and a vague recollection of meeting one of these sphincters in a bar the night before. Ahhhh. Life was good.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 4 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-05-04T08:58:07-04:00

I think the fakes are few and far between, possible due to they are in the hornets nest and know we do not take kindly to frauds. As for embellishes, that is a bit normal. We all like to tell our stories and it is not uncommon to embellish a little. But, if there is a person who overly embellish a career to the point of lying I say call them out, but don't get in a pissing contest.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 4 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-05-04T10:34:58-04:00

I don't see many fakes or liars but they are easy to spot. Too much detail is a dead giveaway. Overall better than any other social media site, likely because it is a military only site. I really enjoy it after only 2 months.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made May 4 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-05-04T11:10:38-04:00

That doesn't bother me as much as people who ride other people's coattails. You know the ones, the admin clerks who act hard around civilians because they're Marines, knowing full well that grunts are the ones who provide them that reputation of toughness, or soldiers who put down other branches because the Army has SF and Rangers, even though they themselves are not within spitting distance of meeting the criteria to be SF or a Ranger.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-05-04T11:40:23-04:00

We all know how well military records are kept. I have had to change my MPF 3 times and it still isn't right. But go ahead and be the guy to call someone a fake just because the military doesn't keep up well enough with records. I know from experience that when I changed branches stuff got all messed up. So you just never know.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made May 4 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-05-04T11:47:04-04:00

Not worth the time and effort to check them all out and it would be a pain in the ass to check every one on any military site.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made May 4 at 2015 12:06 PM

2015-05-04T12:06:42-04:00

Be thankful you have the inate ability to identify them and thus capable of ignoring them.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 11:46 PM

2015-05-04T23:46:03-04:00

That is virtually impossible to determine. I know that there is not only fakes, but has-been out there that as the years pass by, their record gets bigger and "badder".
I know this guy at work (USPS) that when I met him at first he was just a regular Vietnam vet, a PFC truck driver. After a few years, he suddenly start to come up with stories about going on mission to kill the Viet Cong, and that he suffers from PTSD, that after 40 years of perfect health! Coincidentally, he is trying to get benefits from VA as he does not have enough to retire and wants to buy a house.
Believe me, I respected veterans from all eras, but some just think that because they were in a combat zone they are bona fide Rambos. I asked him for proof, and when he tried to dodge the facts, call him a liar in his face. He avoided talking to me about the military from then on.

Response by SPC Corbin Sayi made May 5 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-05-05T00:47:14-04:00

Anyone who decides to embellish their military accomplishments gain nothing. Any half-descent employer will request official documents and verify contact information or references to confirm.

Luckily, liars are quickly filtered out through the application process in positions vital to National Security.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made May 5 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-05-05T13:46:41-04:00

It's far easier to remember the truth than a lie. You have to keep lying to keep up with lies whereas it doesn't take any special mental effort to keep up with the truth.

Given enough time [and enough rope!], the fakes WILL hang themselves with their own lies.

If you try to speed the process along, you will look like a jerk. So why waste your time and mental energy trying to expose them when they're eventually going to expose themselves anyway?!! Your time is valuable; they're not worth it.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made May 5 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-05-05T13:59:26-04:00

It's hard to answer this, but it's especially hard when your a split service guy or gal.

Case in point I walked up to my grandfather and my father who are Marines, albeit doing something else but once a marine always a marine, anyhow I told them I was heading down to the recruiting station to join the marine corps. Grandpa and pop decided to go with me, upon entering the recruiting station both my pop and grandfather steered me into the navy recruiter. Should have known they meant it as a joke but I got caught up in the moment.

So I did 3 years in the navy and had an accident that got me medically separated, it took me six years to get better to join the NG in Nevada and when I did I found it to be a struggle the preconceptions people in the NG had about the Rate I held in the Navy and my abilities pretty much made people treat me as if I was a football helmet wearing, crayon eating, short bus riding, window licker.

The sad fact that I could outshoot, out PT, and never complained about the Shit-duty, pegged me as "hero" the fact that I voluntarily took every crap detail that came up was because I had no outside employment and needed the income to take care of my wife and daughter, never once entered people's mind. I did not set out to be a super soldier, I just wanted to do my job the best I could. Then I saw people who always scate by never realy trying make rank over me I decided it was time to go back to active duty.

So off to FT Polk then back to Iraq, againe did my Job did t complain, when the NPTT needed personnel I got tasked. I served with a great bunch of guys on that team and it helped me to realize that there is always a place in the Army for someone, sometimes the simple act of doing someone else's job can help you figure out where you belong.

I talk to other vets and find that when I do their expirance is so far different than mine that I get called a fake. So I stoped talking about it to others untill now. What I am trying to say is if you think you know, just take a moment because you may not, and when you call someone out for something you better make damn sure your 100 percent, a lot of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen have gotten a raw deal when people decided to call them out for stuff when they those people did not really know what that person went through or what they had done.

But yes there are fakes out there, always have been always will be. John Kerry is a prime example of a fake.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-05-05T14:54:08-04:00

Well, generally I would start by telling them about the time that I saved the world when I had to go disable the Soviet missile satellite...by hand with no space suit. That story generally involves me being launched on the nose of a rocket into outer space and being catapulted out of the Earth's gravitational pull.

Once they tell me that it sounds like I am lying, I tell them that they are too.

On a serious note, I don't care about the liars and fakes. It's almost a form of flattery, in my opinion. I know what I've done. You know what you've done.

We've become "bloodthirsty" or "drunk" on this misinterpretation of, or trying to recognize and call out Stolen Valor that sometimes the whistle-blower is wrong. Or, sometimes the reaction to the faker is WAY out of proportion because lets face it...they aren't worth a reaction. Stolen valor applies to awards and medals, or military records or items being used for financial gain. Someone in a chat room or online simply trolling around isn't "stealing valor". They are just trying to get attention and/or trying to be accepted by a fraternal organization (like the different branches of the military)

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 5 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-05-05T15:34:52-04:00

Personally I pay no attention as long as the dialogue is meaningful. Life is to short to stress about small stuff beside it is amusing when I come to realize that I am conversing with a pretender.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made May 5 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-05-05T20:25:27-04:00

All the fakers claim Spec Ops duties and "My missions were top secret"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-05-06T13:42:03-04:00

Don't you have to verify your account from a government address? It is still unbelievable how many fakes are out there. Not just on RallyPoint, but out there in general, trying to soak up glory that they never earned, or gain a free meal here or there.

Response by PO2 Blake Lange made May 6 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-05-06T13:44:03-04:00

I would call them out on it. This is a military community and you always have a few that try to wreck it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-05-07T00:26:05-04:00

I have my documents, others should too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 5:13 AM

2015-05-07T05:13:58-04:00

I would have to say that honestly unless it affects you personally, you most likely have more to worry about than "busting" that person. The time that you are taking to figure out that they are lying is most likely better spent on helping yourself or your Soldiers with something else.
You are right, people are going to lie, they are going to embellish. If they are not in your unit, not in your section or in your platoon then they are not someone that you should worry about. You are a SSG with actual responsibilities. THOSE are what you are tasked to take care of. Let the rest flush out on their own. That's my personal opinion.

Response by SrA Diego Alvarez made May 7 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-05-07T15:34:02-04:00

I dont see the point in lying about your service. If you wanna do something high speed then go do it, if you can't then you cant and if you tried and failed well at least you tried.
I look at people lying about their service like I would participants in the special olympics cheating to come in first. I just don't understand the point.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 3 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-06-03T21:36:49-04:00

Sweet!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 5 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-06-05T15:32:57-04:00

I'm a Navy Seal Green Beret CIA Scout Sniper who is also a fighter pilot for a top secret government aircraft that takes off from an Avengers style helicarrier.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 1:59 AM

2015-06-12T01:59:14-04:00

Ignore 'em. Don't give them the attention they crave. Those of us who served know it and don't feel the need to embellish or outright lie.

Response by SSG James Kirkland made Aug 7 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-08-07T18:12:52-04:00

Don't accuse, but ask them. Are you sure that what you are telling me is true? It let's them know you see through the bullshit. lol

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 21 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-12-21T19:49:02-05:00

SSG Robert Scott - I would just call them out with the facts you have uncovered. TIS/TIG is a true yardstick for BS detection. Ask a question only a true vet can answer like "How many rows in your ribbon rack?" It IS worth it. Allowing it to continue tarnishes all of us real vets. We can't allow that!
Thanks,
Rick

Response by LT Michael Watson made Oct 24 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-10-24T11:31:16-04:00

Dishonesty and dishonor go hand in hand. I will add that given the Reserve and Guard components , what may be perceived as not possible in the active duty world, is entirely possible given the melding of the "citizen soldier" civilian component. I have to admit that I am one of those that benefited from being in the active duty Navy (though designated USNR) and then, upon being released/RIF'd, served in a Reserve component that melded directly into my civilian job and both benefited from that.
Always take some things with a grain of salt, but the world is also not black and white, but is varying shades of grey.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 8:31 PM

2016-10-26T20:31:20-04:00

Liars and fakes are going to be a given in an environment like this. There are always guys who think their own story isn't interesting or salty enough so they pump it up with crap and expect nobody to notice. Just push them to the side.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 27 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-10-27T14:27:10-04:00

I have say this comments really pisses me off, because I did not join RP to have questions like this on this page, one I'm not FAKE or Liar, I did my time and service to this country and I am proud of my profile, and I do not do it to earn any badges or ribbons on here. I did join because I needed guidance and directions for my resume and cover letter, I asked for help and some people came forward. I don't think we are on here to bust each other out that what Stolen Valor is for. I got a DD FORM 214 for everything I wear brother. If I'm on here trying to embellish my career, I want you to tell all the CSM and retired Officers who did their time and are very successful that this site is a joke, because I feel if you post this comment you should not be on this site. There are a lot of people posting a lot of shit that don't belong on here this is a professional military and civilian website for people to network and to catch up from the past and to link up for business. Comments BLAH BLAH!

STEPHENS

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 10 at 2018 12:39 PM

2018-10-10T12:39:24-04:00

what a question! how many!