Posted on Dec 7, 2015
Today I saw a chaplain with a long tab and a combat action badge. Is there a scenario where this is possible?
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100% legit this is him
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2014/may-online-only/unconventional-warfare.html
The patch is the US Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson SC.
I am one of the Admins at This Aint Hell. I research Stolen Valor all the time. I don’t want to get preachy but I do want to make a few points.
Never assume that just because something doesn’t look right to you that it’s a case of stolen valor. Very often asking a simple question or two will resolve your concerns.
Do not confront someone until you have absolute proof, just a suspicion is not enough. I would rather see someone get away with Stolen Valor than insult a real vet who has a messed up uniform or anyone on active duty.
I personally do not like the recent popularity of the confrontation Videos, getting in someone’s face, yelling screaming and shouting will more than likely get you in trouble god help you if the person is legit.
One last point,
You have taken the picture of an Army Officer without his permission, published it on a Social Media site devoted to the Military where undoubtedly his peers will see it and attached a stolen valor tag as well as a veiled implication. What in the Hell were you thinking? How would you feel if someone did this to you?
I hope the Admins of this site remove the photo.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2014/may-online-only/unconventional-warfare.html
The patch is the US Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson SC.
I am one of the Admins at This Aint Hell. I research Stolen Valor all the time. I don’t want to get preachy but I do want to make a few points.
Never assume that just because something doesn’t look right to you that it’s a case of stolen valor. Very often asking a simple question or two will resolve your concerns.
Do not confront someone until you have absolute proof, just a suspicion is not enough. I would rather see someone get away with Stolen Valor than insult a real vet who has a messed up uniform or anyone on active duty.
I personally do not like the recent popularity of the confrontation Videos, getting in someone’s face, yelling screaming and shouting will more than likely get you in trouble god help you if the person is legit.
One last point,
You have taken the picture of an Army Officer without his permission, published it on a Social Media site devoted to the Military where undoubtedly his peers will see it and attached a stolen valor tag as well as a veiled implication. What in the Hell were you thinking? How would you feel if someone did this to you?
I hope the Admins of this site remove the photo.
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CPT Robert Boshears
Thanks for link. I read this and am truly impressed. I occasionally read of the Navy Chaplains who received the MOH or Navy Cross. Kind of hard to give a Marine his last rights in cross fire, but these men were beyond courageous, and that is for all services.
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CPT Jeff Robinette
I have ran into 2 Stolen Valor incidents. The first was a Marine that later went to into and retired from the Army. He claimed to be SF and to have a Silver Star.
I was unaware of his stoeiea until someone else picked up on them. I began to suspect that this person had a form of dementia before I was made aware of those tall tales.
I know what dementia does to people. I see it everyday. I'm the Primary Caretaker for my mom.
I was unaware of his stoeiea until someone else picked up on them. I began to suspect that this person had a form of dementia before I was made aware of those tall tales.
I know what dementia does to people. I see it everyday. I'm the Primary Caretaker for my mom.
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CPT Jeff Robinette
The 2nd case was another Marine he claimed be aRetired SGT MAJ and was the honor Grad from every class he took in the Marines. He also claimed to have been in 1/9 Marines and fought at Khe Sahn.
The Marine Corps gave him GCM and he was reduced from 1ST to Gy SGT. He even wen as far as to photo shop his retirement photograph to show SGT MAJ stripes on his sleeves.. He did a poor job on that picture.
The Marine Corps gave him GCM and he was reduced from 1ST to Gy SGT. He even wen as far as to photo shop his retirement photograph to show SGT MAJ stripes on his sleeves.. He did a poor job on that picture.
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SGT Andrew Howard
SMSgt Thor Merich thank you for mentioning those of us dumb enough to do it twice. I've been accused before when I mentioned experienced from both services in conversation. Explaining blue to green can be annoying
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Yes. Seems like an SF guy who got commissioned into the Chaplain field. You can get a CAB if the enemy engages you, even if you don't engage the enemy. I assume he would have gotten the CAB as a Chaplain.
Here is the criteria for the CAB:
- May be awarded to any soldier.
- Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized.
- Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
Here is the criteria for the CAB:
- May be awarded to any soldier.
- Soldier must be performing assigned duties in an area where hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay is authorized.
- Soldier must be personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed rules of engagement.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Ever seen Blackhawk Down? Remember SGT Struecker? (Lead driver of the lost convoy) He likely earned a CIB, Purple Heart and some award for valor in that engagement. He later became a Chaplain and was actually my Battalion Chaplain at Fort Bragg. Yes, not only is they picture you saw possible, but likely.
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CPL Cord Nipper
SGT William Howell Saw that in an MP unit during Desert Storm. A couple of guys were prior service 11Bs and put it for it.
I couldn't believe they tried as it's written clearly in the requirements that you have to be in an infantry unit performing infantry duties.
I couldn't believe they tried as it's written clearly in the requirements that you have to be in an infantry unit performing infantry duties.
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SSG Robert Burns He is only a CPT. Probably was prior enlisted. For the CAB, all they have to do to earn it is be actively engaged by the enemy. It's kind of like seeing an O wearing a DS patch. It's odd and I would usually ask why they turned to the dark side and would get a little chuckle and an explanation.
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SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres
1LT William Clardy - I concur. I had some great Chaplins, even had a Jewish Chaplin in Benning that I knew from services. I would make it a point to address him and frighten the near by Drill Sergeants. Funny seeing them snap-to for a change of pace lol
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1LT William Clardy
LTC Jason Mackay, sometimes I wish my application for Drill Sergeant duty had moved through the system fast enough that I could have earned that "This We'll Defend" badge before going back to college on my Bootstrap ROTC scholarship.
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CPL Cord Nipper
LTC Jason Mackay One of my Drills went to OCS after his time in the trail.
Ran into him a few years later at Hood. Weird seeing him with a butter bar on his patrol cap.
Ran into him a few years later at Hood. Weird seeing him with a butter bar on his patrol cap.
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This fine Chaplain is currently one of my students at the US Army Chaplain Center & School. He earned his CAB during an assignment in one of the Army's premier Divisions and later was assigned to USASOC where he had the opportunity to attend and successfully complete the Special Forces Qualification Course. He is one of a number of Chaplains who have completed the Q course. Chaplains come from a vast variety of backgrounds to their calling as Army Chaplains and their uniforms often represent those backgrounds and/or the variety of assignments they've had in the Chaplain Corps. If you ever have a question for a Chaplain, the best COA in the future is just ask the Chaplain. Thanks for your service! -CH (COL) Pete Sniffin; Commandant, US Army Chaplain Center & School
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SSG Carlos Madden
SSG Robert Burns - This is a pretty unique situation, I'm glad you shared it. I had no idea this was even possible. I guess we all learn something new everyday.
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CPT (Join to see)
Wait a minute. Is he the guy that went to the Q-Course while a Chaplain? I have heard the stories about a Chaplain that did that. It is awesome. I went to Ranger School with a Chaplain. I saw that he had velcro for a domination over his name tape. I was a bit taken back. I didn't think they could go. But he did and he got his tab. I was beyond impressed. It goes to show the ability of our Chaplains. They say you will find God in Ranger school. He was lucky enough to bring God with him. I love me some Chaplains. I will never forget my first Chaplain at my first unit. CPT Comales. He was a great man of God.
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CH (CPT) (Join to see)
Thank you for commenting Sir! He was one of the most mature and respected members of the class, and absolutely no surprise as Distinguished Honor Graduate. A man we would all be willng to follow!
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yes, chaplains can go to the q course whether as chaplains in SF units or as prior service SF who went to the chaplain corps
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CH (LTC) (Join to see)
As a chaplain I do what I can to identify with those I serve as long it does not violate regs or my faith. As former enlisted it was easier to talk with a chaplain who understood. If I was to serve in a SOF unit I would want to at least attempt the q course if not get my long tab. The reality is there are more long tabs then you would think. Many more with Ranger tabs most who went through as chaplains. I have a buddy who has a CIB and a DS badge.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I actually had a chaplain in 3-15, 3rd ID who picked up a rifle and shot back on OBJ Curly during OIF 1. Lets just saw the Chaplain Corps made vignettes after this happened for this case. Sir, you bring up a good point but in my opinion a chaplain doesn't need a tab to be respected just help out the unit.
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1LT William Clardy
MAJ (Join to see), I believe that CH (LTC) (Join to see)'s goal was to better understand his flock, not just garner respect. The respect will (and should) come not from some bit of fabric but from showing that he does understand and address the needs of the troops in his charge.
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CH (LTC) (Join to see)
MAJ Jay Rocks a piece of fabric does not garner the respect if the man / woman who is wearing it does not up hold a standard and is not doing what is needed to care for the unit. Many chaplains have the credentials that would cause one to respect their ability to Soldier yet do nothing to care for the unit. A chaplain who cares will always accomplish more than one who has the resume. 1LT William Clardy is correct in his assessment of what I was saying. Though what I wear can draw others to me out of a mutual understanding I lose that when I do not care for the individuals I have been assigned to serve.
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I have run into a few who were SOF before becoming a Chaplain. It is possible...
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I have a good friend, who is a Chaplain and ranger tabbed and has a CIB. He was an 11A before exiting service to attend seminary school and returned as a Chaplain....so this is a very plausible case, where as this Chaplain was a former 18 series (enlisted or officer), got out and came back in as a Chaplain.
On a side note - I have a good friend with the long tab, who was an 18C at one point, got out, finished college and came back in as an officer and instead of going back through SFAS/SFQC...he opted for the less strenuous CAAS/CAQC and now is a CA officer. Why not just go up to someone and ask their story - I would say most wouldn't mind sharing the path they took in their careers.
On a side note - I have a good friend with the long tab, who was an 18C at one point, got out, finished college and came back in as an officer and instead of going back through SFAS/SFQC...he opted for the less strenuous CAAS/CAQC and now is a CA officer. Why not just go up to someone and ask their story - I would say most wouldn't mind sharing the path they took in their careers.
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1LT William Clardy
Excellent point, MAJ (Join to see). Not to mention that the folks with unique combinations of tabs and badges are likely to have unique backgrounds -- and may share some lessons learned you won't find many other places.
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CPL James Hunter
Thank you, I've been saying this for a while now. Why not talk to people with respect and ask them to share their story.
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Chaplain (Major) Jeff Struecker. Remember him from Blackhawk down. He is now a Chaplain
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Some of these comments sicken and disgust me. Automatically assuming disrespect for asking a question is arrogant in the extreme, and shows that the person making that assumption thinks their rank makes them better than the person asking the question. This is how you create yes-men who don't think for themselves instead of developing subordinate leaders. I wouldn't be surprised if someone went to his chain of command over this to try to get him in trouble *smdh*... PV2 (Join to see) SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" CPT (Join to see) LTC Yinon Weiss
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SSG Robert Burns
Coincidently it's apparently something that required the attention of our Post Commander. Lessons learned.
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PO2 Wesley Wilson
CW3 (Join to see) Respectfully, The original post contained a photograph of a Captain that was taken by the OP without permission, It also had a stolen Valor tag. There was no doubt that an accusation was being made. This was not a question of how can this happen or what are the steps required but an open accusation of stolen valor. Rank had nothing to do with it. It also need to be pointed out that this question was included in the trending question for this forum on the Military Times , Navy, Army, Air Force Ect. This topic has been viewed over 23K times.
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Yes, very possible. The chaplain that married my wife and I was former enlisted Green Beret. Chaplain Bob was one of the best chaplains I ever served with!
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