Is it punishable to fake one's rank?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:02:30 -0400

I have met a SPC Not even Promotable, faking his rank by signing in his rank as a SGT on a roster in a community center. I know his rank but he keeps signing in himself as a sergeant. would that be a punishable by a military law ???

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jun 12 at 2019 7:15 PM

SGT Javier Silva — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:15:28 -0400

Yes, it is. This can be a violation of Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. You can report the use of the inappropriate rank to the individuals chain of command.

Response by SPC David Glines made Jun 12 at 2019 7:42 PM

SPC David Glines — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:42:37 -0400

Yes it is punishable by the UCMJ with a field grade article 15

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jun 13 at 2019 10:26 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 10:26:09 -0400

Maybe, impersonating a Non-Commissioned Officer is a violation of Article 134; however to be charged with the offense the Government must show the action was detrimental to good order and discipline. If he tried to give some a lawful order, I could see meeting that threshold, I am not sure (that is why the Commander has a JAG rep) if simply putting that rank on a sign in sheet meets the same threshold. As a junior NCO, I would recommend you pull the soldier aside and tell him that it is wrong to sign in as a SGT and see if the corrects the behavior before running it up the chain for legal action.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2019 11:38 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 11:38:38 -0400

If he's a poser off-duty he may be. Many fake things on the net, but that's the whole anonymous thing. If on base or for profit there's no doubt.

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 14 at 2019 12:37 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 12:37:40 -0400

I guess he self identifies as a Sergeant.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jun 18 at 2019 10:00 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 22:00:10 -0400

I know a Reserve 60 year old Sgt who tells women he's a AD Sgt Major......one of his girlfriend's asked me....I said Hell no....he's an E-5....she slapped him....her dream of getting her hands on an E-9 's retirement vanished into thin air....she looked up the E-9 pay on Google....

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jun 18 at 2019 10:02 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 22:02:48 -0400

It's an ego thing....tell him to self correct....normally those types of brains...wear fake medals and badges...met many....normally no cure...even when caught and punished.