How can I tell if my brother-in-law was a legitimate Special Forces member, Airborne, or a lot of hot air?

2018-11-18T15:12:55-05:00

I have been in Naval Submarines and do not talk about it to glorify myself unless asked I would love to find out if he did or stealing glory from the backs of those that have served and died?

Response by PO1 Alan Malott made Nov 18 at 2018 3:14 PM

2018-11-18T15:14:46-05:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 3:26 PM

2018-11-18T15:26:22-05:00

Ask to see his DD-214, ask which group he served in, reach out to the Special Forces Association associated with that group and ask them to verify his status. If he claims to be a ranger as well, you can verify this with Ranger school as they keep a roster of everyone who has earned their Ranger tab. It is called a tab check.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-11-18T18:07:53-05:00

With a SSN any recruiter can pull a report that will tell his MOS along with service dates.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 18 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-11-18T18:11:02-05:00

I'll make this easy for you. Glory and Valor intangible concepts. They cannot be stolen. They are not a thing. Someone either possesses them or doesn't. But one cannot steal someone else's.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-11-19T16:11:33-05:00

I need a hat that says "Regular Forces!" lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2018 7:29 PM

2018-11-19T19:29:44-05:00

You could ask him to access his Army training record here: jst.doded.mil and show you where he was qualified as SF, I suppose.

Response by Sgt John Koliha made Nov 20 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-11-20T15:49:27-05:00

Question: Why does everyone seem to worry about someone else's service? As others have said here, no one can "steal" valor or another's service. Let them talk, just be proud of yourself and YOUR service. And why do you want to worry about your brother-in-law's stuff anyway. Do you really want to mess up the holiday dinner?

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 20 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-11-20T15:52:28-05:00

well PO1 Alan Malott I was a green seal special ranger delta beret!!! wanna see my tattoos and scars!!!

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 20 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-11-20T16:04:20-05:00

ask him to show you that "secret" incapacitating method the SF community loves to use. kind of like the Vulcan death touch, but not as deadly

Response by PO1 Alan Malott made Nov 20 at 2018 8:40 PM

2018-11-20T20:40:41-05:00

Yhea he is an idot

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Nov 21 at 2018 11:06 AM

2018-11-21T11:06:06-05:00

is he getting benefits, privileges, or monetary compensation for his claims? if not, don't sweat it brother, just roll your eyes when he starts his stories and drive on. Not worth getting into a spat with your sister over it, because that would be the end result of this.

Response by COL John McClellan made Nov 21 at 2018 1:22 PM

2018-11-21T13:22:40-05:00

Ask him to sing "Blood Upon the Risers" :)

Response by COL Jon Lopey made Nov 21 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-11-21T17:06:32-05:00

Alan: Most of these records can be assessed through the Freedom of Information Act. You can fill out forms on-line and inquire (or, go through a veterans service officer). It is a very serious matter to claim a SF qualification if you are ineligible. I have seen frauds on TV or at veterans' events that I know were fake because they had medals, badges, or uniform accessories that did not fit their rank, service, or branch. The SF has an association that can help you as well. A veteran can usually tell if someone is a phony because they will not give logical answers to simple questions about their service. Sometimes Soldiers or others made a mistake but when you deliberately masquerade as a SF Soldier or other elite warrior (or any service member) it is wrong. I've seen some frauds that were veterans and they knew enough to look and sound good but if they are not legitimate, they will trip-up. There is also a group of veterans and retired service members that spend their spare time identifying and calling-out frauds (Stolen Valor - Facebook). You can actually order a DD 214 for your brother-in-law (they will send with redacted identifying info). You have to be careful about DD 214s as well because it is not uncommon to see errors; however, it is unlikely the Army would leave off a SF tab. While a company commander, I had a new sergeant arrive one day to join the unit. He was wearing a Silver Star and a CIB. I checked his record and neither was in his record, even though he did serve in Viet Nam. I told him I reviewed his record and noticed his Silver Star and CIB were not listed. I did not accuse him of fraud but suggested he get his record updated because someone screwed-up and failed to record his most prestigious awards. He left and never came back! Great question! Thank you for your service in the submarines - One of the toughest and most dangerous jobs in the military. As I recall, they had the highest casualty rate in WW II amongst specialized units (I believe we lost around 50 subs in WW II). Happy Thanksgiving! COL L

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Nov 22 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-11-22T19:15:26-05:00

As a past Post and County Commander for The American Legion people generally don't talk about their service without some prompting. He's your brother-in-law. While it is unusual for a vet to spend much time talking about what he did, what will you do differently if you find out he is for real? a fake? Hopefully nothing. He is married to your sister and continues to be. Will you share the bad news with her? Your relationship with her is far more important than knowing whether or not he is a blow hard (If you didn't already think that you wouldn't be asking). You can go on line and verify his service if you must. My rule is if it doesn't change what I do and he is not making money off false claims, I leave it alone.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Nov 23 at 2018 11:34 AM

2018-11-23T11:34:52-05:00

One other point, contact Guardians of the Green Beret. They have access to records from Special Forces School dating to the 1950s.