Suicide vest Halloween costume on a military base? Who would think this was a good idea?

2015-10-31T23:35:15-04:00

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) -- A soldier dressed as a suicide bomber for Halloween caused an emergency response on Fort Bragg, officials said Saturday evening.

The incident happened on Friday night at an access control point, according to a Facebook post sent out by public affairs.

It's unclear which gate the soldier tried to enter, but officials say he was dressed in a simulated explosive vest. An emergency response was put into place, with officials clearing the scene and closing the gate for an extended period of time.

Although post officials believe the soldier was dressed as suicide bomber for Halloween, the incident remains under investigation.

It has also prompted a warning to active duty personnel and their families.

"The Fort Bragg Garrison Commander wants the community to have a safe and fun Halloween; however costumes of this sort are not allowed on Fort Bragg," a statement read. "All costumes should be appropriate in dress and tasteful."

The statement goes on to say soldiers, families and civilian government employees should not dress in distasteful costumes off post, either.

Soldier in suicide bomber costume causes emergency response on Fort Bragg

A soldier dressed as a suicide bomber for Halloween caused an emergency response on Fort Bragg, officials said Saturday evening.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-10-31T23:35:59-04:00

How totally stupid does one have to be?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-10-31T23:36:58-04:00

He's lucky he wasn't shot.
Reminds me of the knucklehead with the vanity license plate that said "VBIED" and worked at the Pentagon.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 31 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-10-31T23:37:50-04:00

Judgement. Some people have it, some don't. Some poor company commander will answer for this on Monday morning and it will be added to all Halloween safety briefings.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-10-31T23:38:27-04:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-10-31T23:53:41-04:00

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-10-31T23:54:19-04:00

A moron.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 1 at 2015 12:10 AM

2015-11-01T00:10:20-04:00

Soldiers, proofing the engagement area of regulation and policy since 1775.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 12:14 AM

2015-11-01T00:14:16-04:00

Forrest Gump said it best: stupid is as stupid does. At least I think he said that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 12:14 AM

2015-11-01T00:14:42-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Well hmm...I"m going to say well done to the Soldier who didn't shoot him on sight. He's very lucky they didn't shoot.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 1 at 2015 1:33 AM

2015-11-01T01:33:56-04:00

Stupidity this profound is frequently fatal.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Nov 1 at 2015 1:51 AM

2015-11-01T01:51:02-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member - Captain; “Two things are infinite, as far as we know – the universe and human stupidity. To-day we know that this statement is not quite correct. Einstein has proved that the universe is limited." - 1947, Ego, Hunger, and Aggression: a Revision of Freud’s Theory and Method by Frederick S. Perls, Page 111, George Allen and Unwin Ltd, London.

Frequently misattributed to Albert Einstein.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 1 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-11-01T01:02:00-05:00

Wow... Just... Wow... ok, I got nothing...

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 1 at 2015 1:03 AM

2015-11-01T01:03:26-05:00

Really stupid....STUPID idea.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 1 at 2015 1:19 AM

2015-11-01T01:19:07-05:00

When this soldier was a fart in the skillet, and God was handing out the brains, he though God said trains and hid behind the door because he didn't like them.

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Nov 1 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-11-01T01:55:10-05:00

Copying clock boy.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 1 at 2015 2:48 AM

2015-11-01T02:48:26-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I'm sorry to mix posted questions, but you remember the guys who ask, "Why can't Military members carry weapons on post at all times?" THIS is the reason why !! Just a momentary "brain fart". In this case, it only causes some headaches, with guns.......what happens then? And now, back to your regularly scheduled Halloween frivolity.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 1 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-11-01T08:33:16-05:00

WOW, Just simply wow! When you thought it couldn't get any more stupid, something that much more stupid comes along. What's even more amazing is this isn't Duffleblog, it's real. Dude was only one case of lead poisoning away from a Darwin Award.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 1 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-11-01T09:40:45-05:00

I wouldn't Bragg about it.

Walt

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Nov 1 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-11-01T09:45:00-05:00

Loss for words, and I figured something like this would happen eventually....

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-11-01T10:00:48-05:00

Darwin awards should be handed out generously. The gene pool needs to be cleansed regularly.

Response by MSgt Stephan Hall made Nov 1 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-11-01T10:02:09-05:00

Dumbest costume winner.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-11-01T10:56:15-05:00

There is always 'that guy' who thinks it's funny to do or say something that is just not funny. Social skills are not tested on the ASVAB.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Nov 1 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-11-01T11:29:25-05:00

Insert dumb soldier joke here:

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-11-01T11:30:17-05:00

I would say that the Soldier needs additional "training". I would also recommend his battle buddies also go thru additional "training" for not properly advising him on his costume.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 1 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-11-01T11:41:58-05:00

That was done in poor taste to saunter least

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Nov 1 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-11-01T11:51:01-05:00

This is that special kind of stupid you hear about, but don't REALLY believe exists, just because NOBODY could be that stupid.

And the goalpost is moved.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-11-01T14:28:51-05:00

Hmm maybe not the best idea for a Halloween costume if you want to stay alive.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Nov 1 at 2015 2:43 PM

2015-11-01T14:43:48-05:00

STUPID idea.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 1 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-11-01T15:04:13-05:00

In my neighborhood, there was someone dressed as a gangster carrying a Kalashnikov replica (no blaze orange tip). I put the suicide bomber in the same category.

Response by SSG John Mitchell made Nov 1 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-11-01T15:29:14-05:00

Yea, I got nothing other than a laugh at the pure stupidity of it.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Nov 1 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-11-01T18:09:37-05:00

Thank God it's not one of mine...smh...

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Nov 1 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-11-01T19:18:10-05:00

This soldier is in deep doo doo, this won't be a slap on the wrist!

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 1 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-11-01T20:46:30-05:00

A fellow chaplain told me he was a former youth pastor, and how his job hadn't changed much by entering the military. There's a lot of immature people who join, and we can only pray their military experience will help them grow up. What a dumb thing to do, but many young people just aren't thinking maturely.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 1 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-11-01T21:47:25-05:00

There's stupid, and then there's Army stupid. Someone needs to be dating a buffer for the next 45-60 days among other corrective actions. Then again, he just might get himself invited to the White House. It's hard for me to keep up these days.

Response by SPC John Lanning made Nov 1 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-11-01T23:44:57-05:00

He wasn't dressed as a suicide bomber, he was dressed as a clock maker.........

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 2 at 2015 12:28 AM

2015-11-02T00:28:14-05:00

Gotta say it, glad the headline read "Soldier" and not "Airman" on this one!
Really does make ya wonder though, what was going through his head. And, his buddies, because you know there were others that knew what he was going to wear....

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 4:42 AM

2015-11-02T04:42:30-05:00

Play stupid games win stupid prizes...

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Nov 2 at 2015 6:24 AM

2015-11-02T06:24:32-05:00

Response by SGT David T. made Nov 2 at 2015 9:21 AM

2015-11-02T09:21:45-05:00

"But Sergeant, you never told me I couldn't dress up as a suicide bomber and try to go through the gate"

A month later....Everyone in the Army is in a 3 hour long class required every quarter on not dressing up as a suicide bomber

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 2 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-11-02T10:30:33-05:00

Suicide vest was rated at number 9 of the 37 most offensive costumes. Caitlen Jenner was the most offensive Halloween costume. I don't know if this soldier made his own or bought a ready-made suicide vest costume. I am surprised he walked through the gate instead of donning the costume after he was inside for a party or whatever.
Every year there are very offensive costumes "released." This issue reminds me of humor - what is funny to one person is not necessarily to others. Similarly what is scary to some is not scary to all.
http://www.ranker.com/list/offensive-halloween-costume-ideas/alex-sargeant?format=SLIDESHOW&page=9

37 of the Most Offensive Costumes You'll See This Halloween

There's no better way to stop a Halloween party in its tracks than to wear a truly offensive Halloween costume. These inappropriate costume ideas might seem absolutely hilarious to the wearer, but it probably isn't. These offensive Halloween costumes are probably funny for about 0.3 seconds before ...

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 2 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-11-02T11:42:06-05:00

Yeah, many years ago my dad dressed as an Arab terrorist for a Halloween party. No where near a base. Among civilians it was chuckled at nervously.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Nov 2 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-11-02T11:49:49-05:00

CPT Brian Maurelli, I would say that it was probably a private and that the Specialist Mafia was behind it, or it if was a 2LT and there a 1LT is to blame.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Nov 2 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-11-02T12:09:53-05:00

Well I have to say Glad He isn't mine. That was a shit ball I would have hated to come in to this Morning. The CSM probably had a STROKE when this came down on the blotter! Is this soldier still out side mopping up the rain?

Response by CW3 Eric W. S. made Nov 2 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-11-02T12:11:21-05:00

Just living proof that we have evolved beyond natural selection, as unfortunate as that is...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-11-02T12:50:49-05:00

My only thoughts of this is that it must have been a private. A person to try such an act clearly does not have the best common sense.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-11-02T12:56:18-05:00

That Soldier was a dumbass....he should be punished under UCMJ or pull gate guard for six months.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-11-02T13:12:28-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member when somebody approached him to talk about the situation...

Response by COL Sam Russell made Nov 2 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-11-02T14:04:09-05:00

The "clock kid" might think so.

Clock Kid Moving To Qatar: Ahmed Mohamed Decides To Leave America 24 Hours After Meeting...

“Clock kid” Ahmed Mohamed is moving to Qatar. Less than 24 hours after Mohamed went to the White House and met President Obama, his family decided to leave the

Response by PFC Robert Falk made Nov 2 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-11-02T14:35:17-05:00

I think that it was a very bad idea when you look at what is going on in the world today. People should use their given brain to know what would be a good custume.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-11-02T15:07:56-05:00

If this is true, what an idiot. That's like someone dressing up in a Christ costume hanging on a cross. Some things just aren't appropriate or funny.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 2 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-11-02T15:09:35-05:00

If this is true, that Soldier is a MORON........ Definitely in very poor taste.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-11-02T15:43:45-05:00

Since the soldier seems to like wearing vests so much, I would start with having him to wear one for a few days. Guard duty with IOTV and plates. He can help watch for any other potential suicide bombers

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-11-02T18:04:29-05:00

Just when you think the Army has idiot-proofed itself, the Army will find a better idiot.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-11-02T20:21:58-05:00

Wow, That is about as dumb as the soldier that went to the mall in fayetteville with his AR-15.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Nov 3 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-11-03T09:56:02-05:00

That's gotta be a Private. I feel like there is no way anyone E4 and up could possibly be dumb enough to try that. I mean, I know there's some dumb people in all ranks but this, this could only be junior enlisted stupidity.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Nov 3 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-11-03T13:54:30-05:00

Some people are literally born with no common sense........ others are born with no sense at all.

Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Nov 3 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-11-03T14:53:56-05:00

Here's your sign! Wear it proudly. As stated earlier he is very lucky that he didn't get shot.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-11-03T19:29:10-05:00

I don't see how that Soldier thought that was a good idea. That was a very bad idea, and could have had dire consequences. The Soldier is lucky he wasn't shot.

Response by SFC Richard Lee made Nov 3 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-11-03T22:06:51-05:00

First, I think that young individual is in serious need of a mental evaluation. In the event that said individual is retained in the military, he'll need serious one on one supervision until the end of his/her enlistment is complete. I also feel that this mental evaluation should be command requested. It's plan to see he has a misguided notion and ideas that should not be pawned off on an unknowing civilian world. I feel that it's something that he/she felt was funny.

Response by SFC Joseph Motes made Nov 4 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-11-04T15:58:58-05:00

Good thing PV2 Motes from 2001 was not working the gate that evening....enough said. I am sure his COC will handle this.

Response by SGT Robert Zuniga made Nov 4 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-11-04T17:36:03-05:00

Response by COL Charles Williams made Nov 5 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-11-05T00:29:35-05:00

ah... NO.

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Nov 9 at 2015 7:45 AM

2015-11-09T07:45:26-05:00

IDIOTIC

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 6 at 2016 12:56 PM

2016-05-06T12:56:05-04:00

Reminds me of the time, Halloween 1992, I came to work at the 3569th Recruiting Squadron in Los Angeles CA wearing a Bedouin getup, including theatrical face paint, a thick black bushy mustache, a thobe, and kufeya. I walked around the building housing all the branches' recruiting support units and the MEPS all day freaking out a few folks and some of my co-workers. Good clean Halloween fun and no one ever figured out it was me...great disguise!

Response by Christopher Simmons made Nov 17 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-11-17T13:47:14-05:00

You have got to be kidding me...that is a whole new class of special...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-10-31T11:25:57-04:00

I have learned over my years in the military before retiring safety brief cannot help those who are known to be called a broken tool or not the sharpest knife in the drawer...

Response by Chad Walton made Oct 31 at 2017 12:01 PM

2017-10-31T12:01:29-04:00

LOL

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 31 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-10-31T12:18:45-04:00

Play stupid games , win stupid prizes.
There is a SM that should be on gate guard every weekend, holiday or any DONSA (Day Of No Scheduled Activities) for about 943 consecutive days or until the CSM is no longer pissed (say 3-9 months after SM ETS's)

Oh and then hunt down the ones that knew about this planned "costume " and did not talk him (beat him if needed ) out of it.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Oct 31 at 2017 1:38 PM

2017-10-31T13:38:17-04:00

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Oct 31 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-10-31T14:11:10-04:00

I would have him pushing earth until it moved orbit!!! Absolutely moronic.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-10-31T16:18:04-04:00

Review of the video at the gate confirmed...

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Nov 1 at 2017 1:37 PM

2017-11-01T13:37:14-04:00

Spring-loaded in the dumb position!!!!!!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2018 12:07 PM

2018-03-25T12:07:23-04:00

Freakin paratroopers!!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2020 5:06 PM

2020-09-11T17:06:12-04:00

I remember when this happened. I was in Aviation ALC at Fort Eustis. Someone brought the article to me. In my heart, I knew it was someone from my unit, but at the same time, hoped it was not.

Yes, it was someone from my unit. I knew/know the guy. He's not a dumbass, but just made a bad decision, or series of decisions that day.