Posted on Mar 4, 2015
Should the mis-representation and unauthorized wearing of the military uniform be punishable by law?
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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.
Invite others to respond
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.
Invite others to respond
Stolen Valor
Dependents
Honor
Fraud
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 19
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I agree! I think that we have not been included yet, because the jobs you mentioned are those that could involve immediate personal safety. Police have the ability to legally confine us in the immediate. A federal agent has full jurisdiction to invade our personal space. A lawyer could cause financial ruin. And a doctor could jeopardize our immediate health. Imposters in those fields could potentially cause devestating harm to our lives right now in a legal sense. I'm not playing devil's advocate, just keeping my mind open and remaining transparent. If it were me, I'd hop in my Delorean and punch their Great Grandfather in his dick.
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LTC Paul Labrador
In the cases of police, federal agents and doctors, those folks have legal authorities granted to them by the government (police to enforce laws with up to an including lethal force, doctors with the legal ability to prescribe medications that can kill you).
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SPC Christopher Green
I first want to say that I don't like it when people claim to be military when they're not but I don't think it should be illegal under the condition that it is not done to gain some sort of benefit. That would include those 10% Veterans' Day discounts.
I think it should be pointed out that it is not illegal to claim to be a doctor or a lawyer. It is illegal (and I can only speak to the lawyer one with certainty but there may be comparable laws regarding physicians) to claim to be a lawyer and then provide actual legal services. You have to take that next step.
Impersonating an officer is a crime, dressing up as one is not, unless you then act as an officer.
The First Amendment protects ones right to be full of shit. And honestly, it needs to be. Otherwise every politician would be behind bars. On second thought maybe that's not such a bad thing. Ok, every male college student at a kegger would be behind bars when they tried to hook up with a coed.
I think it should be pointed out that it is not illegal to claim to be a doctor or a lawyer. It is illegal (and I can only speak to the lawyer one with certainty but there may be comparable laws regarding physicians) to claim to be a lawyer and then provide actual legal services. You have to take that next step.
Impersonating an officer is a crime, dressing up as one is not, unless you then act as an officer.
The First Amendment protects ones right to be full of shit. And honestly, it needs to be. Otherwise every politician would be behind bars. On second thought maybe that's not such a bad thing. Ok, every male college student at a kegger would be behind bars when they tried to hook up with a coed.
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LTC (Join to see)
The roles of a doctor, lawyer, or police are different in scope than a service member, thus the comparison isn't apt.
If someone commits fraud while wearing a military uniform (receives a discount or the like) then they should face the punishment of fraud, not the punishment of wearing a uniform.
If someone commits fraud while wearing a military uniform (receives a discount or the like) then they should face the punishment of fraud, not the punishment of wearing a uniform.
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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).
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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 !!
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 !!
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SSgt (Join to see)
GySgt Lloyd LaGrange I gave you a thumbs up just for the "Chrome plated pine cone up my six." I'm saving that for future use.
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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
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
This only works if the person committing the act is doing it for the itent of obtaining money, property, gifts, discounts or other benefits given to those because of their military service. I've read real hard into the new law. There is currently no law the prevents anyone from wearing the uniform or awards, or even saying the completed service without having truthfully done so. That's why the Stolen Valor Act was recinded in the first place. The acts just mentioned in the sentence before were the exercising of the 1st Ammendment, Freedom fo Speech. Sadly, it is illegal to beat the shit out of these people.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
It's a little bit of icing on top of a standard fraud charge. That's about as far as it should go, as painfully annoying as it is.
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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
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
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SGT Jeremiah B.
It is completely legal to wear a military uniform if you want. It is not legal to then use that to gain advantages, discounts or any benefit that would otherwise not been afforded you.
Also, I think "significant" might be a bit much. As you said, most people simply don't know any better so there's no standard to not meet. Unless that person's a dick. Then they just need to be outed and utterly humiliated.
Also, I think "significant" might be a bit much. As you said, most people simply don't know any better so there's no standard to not meet. Unless that person's a dick. Then they just need to be outed and utterly humiliated.
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Adopt a dress uniform with no insignia of Rank or Decorations, only distinctive headgear
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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.
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.
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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?
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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.
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