Posted on Jan 15, 2014
Would you consider it appropriate to ask a civilian for their DD 214?
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I am currently on leave and have encountered numerous veterans who seemed to tell credible tales of their careers. Some have also given me suspicious stories of their past. IE: SF, ODA, RANGER, SEAL and the typical romanticized assignments. Of course, I have also run into a vast spectrum of individuals wearing either ACU items or esprit de corps clothing. Would it be appropriate to ask if they can present a valid DoD ID or DD 214? Per the Creed of the Non-Commisioned Officer, I am inclined to ensure we are not misrepresented or discredited nor would I tolerate someone falsifying their background to gain employment.
Professional Development
Stolen Valor
Integrity
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 26
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If you want to know, keep them talking. Ask about awards for tours, who their rater was and other Admin things that are not at all cool or fun.
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SGT William Howell
After the bullshit gets flowing I just ask them in they know the secret SF handshake, then immediately go to an arm bar takedown. If they get out of it and whip you they probably where SF. If not, they are lying. It works every time, one way or the other.
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SGT William Howell
Seriously though. If your bullshit meter is getting pegged they probably are doing just that. As long as they are not seeking any kind of gain and are just trying to impress you let it go.
I have a friend that truly was in SF. He tells everybody he was a cook just so he does not have to listen to the stories.
I have a friend that truly was in SF. He tells everybody he was a cook just so he does not have to listen to the stories.
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MAJ Rene De La Rosa
SGT William Howell that's awesome. I am going to take the same tack from now on.
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Suspended Profile
As an employer, I would ask for DD214 or other reasonable proof of service if they seek to be hired based on veterans preferance. With respect to stories of special forces unit membership or combat prowess told to secure the favors of a younger social acquaintance, I would tend to take their young acquaintance aside and tell them to wise up. The remaining posers can just burn in hell. They are worth neither your time or effort. They get what they deserve in the end.
Please enjoy your well earned leave. Don't let worthless people waste your time.
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Anyone claiming to be a veteran on the side of the road asking for money...I ask to see their DD214 before I pony up any cash. Had a guy in the metro ask for money, I asked what units he had served in. He picked a unit that i was in during the same period turns out he was never in the unit. I gave him some ketchup packets that I carry to hand out to con artist sent him on his way.
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CPT Robert Skinner
Maj Bartlett,
I agree that phony service should be called out, but don't agree with the handing out of ketchup packets. You could just simply walk away and take the high road.
I agree that phony service should be called out, but don't agree with the handing out of ketchup packets. You could just simply walk away and take the high road.
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when you come across someone telling one of these tall tales that seem like a bunch of b.s. do what I do, all you have to do is ask a few questions that only some one who is real can answer, then let them know that you know they are full of it and should be ashamed for dishonoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and then just walk away
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Unless they are seeking gain from their "stolen valor", let it go. Half of them are the dregs of society already, just walk away.
If the guy is on the street corner or pandering for drinks at the VFW, no harm, no foul.
If the guy just snagged a $2000 speaking engagement for a local Non-profit using alleged military experience... by all means, ask for validation. If they can't or start posturing, walk away, you won.
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I was going to give a so called homeless guy some money. I was wearing a Corpsman ball cap. He said can you help a vet. I was reaching in to my pocket we began to talk about the military. I knew then he was full of it. I just walked away. On facebook someone took a video of the same guy getting into his Cadillac Escalade. There are Vets out there that really need help. I hate the fact that these guys do this.
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Usually you can ask some general questions that only someone who served would know offhand, if it's someone claiming the same branch of service as yourself you can ask some more detailed questions. Just keep your BS detector up to date and it won't be hard to tell which ones are faking it.
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I would rather call them a former enlisted or commissioned officer. But I have mine ready in case there is some specific and relevant need for it.
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MSG (Join to see)
Thank you for the advice SSgt! The individuals in question should take into account the amount of work and sacrifice that goes into what they claim as accomplishments.
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