Is it okay to showcase the accomplishments of our military veterans after they leave active duty?

PO1 Calvin Hill — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:01:41 -0400

On television? In a reality show?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 12:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:05:22 -0400

PO1 Calvin Hill Sure... why wouldn't it be... if that's what "THEY" choose.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 4 at 2021 12:05 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:05:33 -0400

Why not?

Response by PO1 Calvin Hill made Nov 4 at 2021 12:10 AM

PO1 Calvin Hill — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:10:35 -0400

Thanks to you all for the great feedback. I can feel the love.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2021 12:15 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:15:35 -0400

I see more good than bad. All of us past, present, and future are links to a rich continuum all the way back to the Continental Army. It is a hallowed continuum. Something to make people proud of for serving.

Response by LT Hefsiba Cohen made Nov 4 at 2021 4:18 AM

LT Hefsiba Cohen — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:18:49 -0400

So long as respectful and completely legit, why not?

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Nov 4 at 2021 5:33 AM

MSG Greg Kelly — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:33:49 -0400

Is it not true that SEALs have a third Dog Tag with their agents information on it?

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Nov 4 at 2021 6:24 AM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:24:42 -0400

Depends on what you mean by "showcase", the manner of showcasing, and the intent behind it. There is a cottage industry in peddling pseudo-patriotism to sell things. Fawning red, white, and blue "patriotism" to sell everything from Twinkies to automobiles. This is called "pandering", and I am not a fan.

Also, what do you mean my "okay"? Legally? Morally? Philosophically?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 2:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:06:53 -0400

What exactly do you mean with this?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 4 at 2021 2:46 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:46:02 -0400

I think it is ok to go on the record that you served and what capacity but be humble and don't have superior attitude about it. We (Veterans) are just people who came to the call of our country for whatever reason and made ourselves available to do whatever job came up. We are not heroes, just ordinary folk do a job.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Nov 5 at 2021 10:08 AM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:08:37 -0400

100% Yes! Every veteran should be proud of their service if they served honorably. Think of who the most popular people are in our society. Some of them are simply famous for being famous! Wouldn't it be nice if veterans were honored regularly by society? My local high school started a tradition years ago by putting up a framed photograph and blurb on every single graduate who joined the military, and special honors for those who fell in conflict. Wall(s) of Honor. All gave some and some gave all.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 5 at 2021 12:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:31:02 -0400

If they have accomplishments worth mentioning, and they don't mind, then sure, why not?

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 9 at 2022 2:26 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 14:26:03 -0500

Accomplish m ends in the service are like a resume' for civilian jobs. Aside from the military aspect, there is your leadership and job qualifications to be viewed in civilian life. Just saying "I was an infantryman or truck driver, you have a chance to show your advancements and skills.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 10 at 2022 12:15 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:15:49 -0500

My service and career are mine. Not yours, not some TV exec's, not the public's. I did it FOR the public, but they don't own it.

So anything shared should be only after it has been vetted and approved by me. Especially with folks who have done some of the more *ahem* shadowy missions.

Now, there are a couple exceptions. First, in a memorial (or similar) service, the approval should come from NOK.

Second, if I have committed nefarious acts, military training or experience relevant to the acts may also be released at the approval of the appropriate service PAO. (For instance, if I were the DC sniper and I had been through sniper school, AND the Army PAO authorized disclosure, then yes, news media should be allowed to run the story. But my assignments as an interrogator simply are not relevant.)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2022 12:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:27:15 -0500

I don’t see why not.