Posted on Feb 9, 2015
How many of you veterans or active military have been accused of being a "poser"?
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Social media brings people together or it can tear larger holes in the veterans' communities.
Despite having served your country honestly and honorably, people can be assholes when they jump to conclusions and don't believe you. Have you ever had this happen to you?
Despite having served your country honestly and honorably, people can be assholes when they jump to conclusions and don't believe you. Have you ever had this happen to you?
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Stolen Valor
Stolen Valor
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 43
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I generally do not advertise that I am in the military and I don't wear a lot of military related clothing when I am off base or on leave so the issue has never come up. It is not that I am not proud to be in the military. It is more of an OPSEC thing and I want to avoid stupid conversations and questions. Being treated with kid gloves because I might be "damaged" in some way, shape, or form; answering the question of "have I killed anybody" (no I have not); and figuring out how to respond to the obligatory "thank you for your service" when most people have no clue what serving actually means.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Personally, I think this is the best approach. I never advertise my service, especially not on social media and this has never been an issue. I feel that advertising muself loudly as a service member is poor OPSEC, and contradictory to the values espoused as a "quiet professional". It's my opinion that anyone who matters knows what you did in the military, and anyone who doesn't know, shouldn't really matter to how you perceive yourself, so why advertise and open yourself up as a target to ignorance?
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In church on veterans day the pastor asked all veterans to stand, so I stood. I was visiting my Aunt in Ga. at the time and at my old church. This nice old lady taps my arm and says " Honey this is for veterans not wives", I replied, " I'm a veteran". She acted like I brought out the snakes! LOL I am only 5' 2" and all the "other" veterans were 6'+ and male.
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SFC (Join to see)
Consider the kind old lady's generational norms and take it in stride, or look at it as funny. Keep standing proud with those 6 foot males, you're part of the military family, period.
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SPC Robin Price-Dirks
I thought it was funny myself, most of these old women at the church were my moms age. My mom was horrified that I joined the Army. Like it invalidated my woman card, she got over it ....eventually, snicker!
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SPC (Join to see)
Probably back in her day it wasn't common for women to be in the military. It might not have been as common where she grew up. I probably would have been a smart ass and told her I was a man in drag then see what she had to say about that. She probably would never say that again to another female veteran.
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Not really a "poser", but I seem to get mistaken for a spouse. Been questioned a few times. I just try to smile and then break out my CAC card. :)
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SPC Sherrie Chapman
I don't look like their idea of a veteran. Overweight, unassuming, frumpy female.. ;)
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SPC Robin Price-Dirks
Try Reforger at -30 degrees in a military made porta potty! The seats were so tall I had to climb up to the top to find the seat, and so cold I had to hover! Gimme a ladder! ROFLMAO
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SPC (Join to see)
When I was younger some people couldn't believe I was in the army. I asked them what was a soldier supposed to look like in their eyes. Stupid people. I just ignore them. I figured they lived in a fantasy world where everything they saw on TV was their only truth.
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SPC (Join to see)
I wouldn't show them proof of anything. They might be ID thieves and whatever is visible on your CAC card could be useful for them to steal. There are cameras that come in very small sizes. I would either politely or impolitely tell them I don't have to prove anything to them and to shove off.
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