Should the mis-representation and unauthorized wearing of the military uniform be punishable by law?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 04:38:30 -0500

https://www.facebook.com/#!/video.php?v= [login to see] 08396&fref=nf

Unfortunately, I run into this guy nearly everytime I go home to Pensacola, FL on leave.

He talks in circles, mostly. Early in the video, he asks the Soldier (in civilians) if he knows what CID is, then asks, "Marines, right?" The Soldier responds with what the acronym means and explains that all branches have CID. He demands to "see some sergeants" and the "Chain of Command." He then later states that he is a "100% disabled" vet because of "seizure disorder." Shortly after, he is called out by an actual vet (an older gentleman), and informed that his ID syas the same thing as the gentleman's wife's ID.... "dependent."

In all, in my personal opinion, it is dishonorable to wear the uniform and try to convince everyone that you are something you're not. That's where I stand! Much like the rest of you, I've lost great friends who wore the uniform, but let's hear what you have to say.

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Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 4 at 2015 5:01 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:01:57 -0500

Dishonorable? YES! Punishable by law? I think that is a non-starter. We've been down this road before (i.e., the Stolen Valor Act).

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 4 at 2015 5:07 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:07:17 -0500

I do agree that idiots like him deserve to be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Each state has their own "stolen valor" laws. I like the fact for the video was handled professionally by the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and veterans.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 5:46 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 05:46:17 -0500

It is illegal to claim to be a police officer, federal agent, lawyer, doctor, etc. when you are not. You go to jail for stuff like that. WHY shouldn't US Military be included in that list? Do we not do enough for the country to have our positions and uniforms protected?

These imposters only bring discredit (in the eyes of the public) to those of us who EARNED our uniform, and everything that goes on it.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 6:33 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 06:33:54 -0500

If people are claiming to be SMs or Veterans to obtain personal gain (government office, monetary) they should be held accountable.

But if some hobo is on Bragg claiming to be a CSM/1SG from 82nd, who gives a crap?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 7:48 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 07:48:37 -0500

I think there is a law against stolen valor:

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/obama-signs-new-stolen-valor-act.html

Obama Signs New Stolen Valor Act

President Obama on Monday signed into law the latest version of the Stolen Valor Act.

Response by GySgt Lloyd LaGrange made Mar 4 at 2015 10:31 AM

GySgt Lloyd LaGrange — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 10:31:58 -0500

I "T" totally agree with you SSG !!! Nothing shoves a Chrome Plated Pine Cone up my six MORE than a POSER !!! Those of US who EARNED the right to wear that Uniform should ALWAYS speak out and CALL attention to such Individual's. Just as THE STOLEN VALOR act was adopted, so should some type of Action/penalty be put into LAW to prohibit or Discourage this type of BS.
Although, with Surplus store's & the like selling Uniforms to any one, may seem to make it more difficult. Most Civilians with G-2, common sense & RESPECT for OUR Armed forces should and DO not cross the line. But of course there is always that 10 Percent.
GOD BLESS, SEMPER FI !!

Response by SGT Todd Fred made Mar 4 at 2015 10:35 AM

SGT Todd Fred — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 10:35:45 -0500

They just want to be like us, so even though it bothers me, more things bother me more.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 10:38:29 -0500

I wish the video wouldn't have cut off... my wife loves IHOP so the next time we go home I am going to stop by there in hopes that I can see this guy in action.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 4 at 2015 12:58 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 12:58:57 -0500

In tghe 1980s through 2000s soldiers and the country was with the soldiers, now thge mindset has changed and public dont care. When we start enforcing laws already on the books, and put people in jail then they will stop wearing unauthorized unform.

Someone these days can just walk into a blg and blowup something.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 4 at 2015 1:49 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 13:49:53 -0500

Not a fan of any of those responses in particular. A simple yes would have sufficed. I posted a similar comment on my opinion in another thread. If the person is wearing the uniform as a costume such as for a video or skit or something I couldn't care less. I have worn fake uniforms to events such as our squadrons CDI where it is expected. Outside of things like that however I think it should be prosecutable such as the case at the IHOP or the "LT" at the airport. If you are wearing the uniform and/or awards (medals/badges/etc) and you claim that those are YOUR uniforms or medals than you should be charged as you didn't earn them.

One thing that irks me is when I see people wearing even one element of a uniform for no reason such as an ABU hat or a pair of MARPAT trousers. If the uniform is currently an actively used uniform by any of the service branches then I think you shouldn't be able to wear any items of the uniform unless you have done what it takes to earn the privilege of wearing them. Once the uniform is no longer active and becomes excess surplus as with the BDU and DCU then by all means, wear it out hunting and what not. You still shouldn't wear ranks, patches, badges or anything though unless again you have earned them.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 4 at 2015 2:15 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 14:15:16 -0500

If they are wearing the uniform and nothing on it, and not portraying any branch, (no patches, tapes, badges) or posing then I see no harm. However that being said, if they are posing and trying to get something for nothing then burn them. If they are walking around in full uniform and saying they are something they are not, then burn them. Just because my brother, or who ever, is walking around in ACU pants and a top with nothing else what is the harm. He isn't portraying something he is not doesn't bother me.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 4 at 2015 2:53 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 14:53:16 -0500

I selected the first choice because the option I wanted was not there. Any misrepresentation of any uniform use by the military, police, or any government run organization should be subject to a big fine and time in jail. Same goes for professional workers such as doctors. Its not ok to lie for any form of reward...Period!

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Mar 4 at 2015 3:30 PM

Sgt Tom Vaughn — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 15:30:54 -0500

I bet he's the same pos that was getting free meals , hotel rooms and clothing down in Daytona beach , my sister called me up and said the cops won't do anything , I told her they must not have any marines in their department , so I told her to call the recruiters office and advise them They went after him

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 4 at 2015 5:33 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 17:33:34 -0500

Wearing an unauthorized uniform is fraud and should be punishable felony offense!
I take issue with using the using the uniform to gain creditably and entitlements you didn't earn. Stolen Valor caused significant damage to the military reputation because they uphold or live up the standards and values of service members. The average citizen doesn't know he or she isn't with us. They just notice the uniform

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 7 at 2015 11:49 AM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:49:05 -0500

Well as a vet now....I remember seeing pics when I grew Vets wearing their medals at protest, parades, and such....and yes...these people should be dealt with by capital punishment.
"However...I'm a Vet.....I Earned my medals....I bought my uniforms.....I should be able to wear my medals....as long as it's not disrespectful to the American Flag.
How far would the rules go? Example....Look at the healthcare law, it was passed and now we find out how wasteful it really is.
usually when slick politicians make laws....they go way overboard and they are a burden on the people who they originally wanted to protect.
why don't we do it the ol Skool way (Yes that is how u spell ol Skool) Us Vets who find them....either give a good ol fasion country boy ass whopping....or embarrass the hell out of them

Response by LCDR Steve Didio made Mar 11 at 2015 11:27 AM

LCDR Steve Didio — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:27:18 -0400

Unfortunately, the Liberals running our country (in many places), along with their supporters like the ACLU, have managed to make this a free speech issue. They defend these losers who have neither the courage, patriotism or sense of responsibility necessary to actually have served something larger than their self interests. We need some stiffer laws to deter this type of behavior.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 5 at 2015 5:29 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 17:29:02 -0400

It should be part of civilian law to punish "Stolen Valor". If "grand larceny" is above $500 then stolen valor is surely worse than that. Think of all of your buddies you helped zip into body bags THEN reply to my post. Think of the shattered lives back at home. What if it was YOU?

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Oct 6 at 2015 12:11 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:11:49 -0400

No, he's free to be utterly ridiculous if that's his desire. If he then uses that to get a discount or benefit he doesn't deserve though - well...that's another story entirely since we're talking fraud.

That said, how does he have a dependent ID? If that's the case, I think the military should reserve some latitude to revoke it.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 7 at 2021 11:37 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:37:11 -0400

Adopt a dress uniform with no insignia of Rank or Decorations, only distinctive headgear