Should this be considered SV?

2015-09-09T23:06:16-04:00

I'm currently split op. program so I'm a senior in highschool who was completed BCT. Another student at my highschool who is also a senior is going around telling teachers and other students that he is enlisted into the USMC. I respect every branch with the highest of honor. But I know for a fact that this guy here can't even go to MEPS because of anti-depressant and anti-psychotic medication he currently takes. However, he does own his own pair of MCCUU's and continues to wear them. Everywhere. With his name, "U.S. Marines" and an E-2 Rank on said uniform. Any advice for what I should tell this guy?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:07 PM

2015-09-09T23:07:16-04:00

In this picture, he wears an ACU, with a black shirt and carries a Marine bag.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-09-09T23:08:03-04:00

Unless he is wearing the full uniform, and saying he IS a Marine, then no. But I would venture that an actual Marine would find this very offensive.

On the other hand, showing pride in the military is always good at that stage in our youths life.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-09-09T23:08:46-04:00

Bring him to the attention of your ROTC staff or the school's front office. Avoid personal conflict with this person right now.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Sep 9 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-09-09T23:25:26-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member First, thanks for your service. As a HS JROTC Instructor, I see this often around the school. I have many kids who tell stories about what they plan to do, knowing some can't or will not. I would just let it go, if I were you. You have to learn to pick your battles. You know the real deal, and that is all that matters. I know many young men and women who want to be Soldiers (Sailors, Airmen, and Marines)... their dream it is, and I know some will never be able to. Finally, remember, you are a Soldier, and now different than most HS kids... and remember, they are still just HS kids.

We have a kid, freshman in our program, who wheres ACUs daily, minus the blouse... (tan t-shirt), and an ACU backpack... complete with Colonel rank on it...

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Sep 9 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-09-09T23:48:37-04:00

Link him up with the next Marine recruiter that comes to your high school. Leave it in his hands.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Sep 10 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-09-10T10:02:49-04:00

As all have said, You know the real deal, leave it, because as we all know, Reality will catch up with this young man, and it maybe in the form of running into a real Marine or Marine Recruiter. But let's hope that when that happens, they are professional enough to explain why the young man should not be doing it. Let's also hope this young man is not getting himself in trouble in public with his claim of being a Marine. That could be an ugly confrontation. Keep your sights on your future plans, don't let this derail you.

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-09-10T14:07:08-04:00

Yes and you should correct him, those arent even marine camis they are army plus marines arent aloud to walk around in camis outside of base. You need to check him before he pisses someone off or gets charged

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-10-03T16:47:10-04:00

Well,,, If the pics shown are of that guy, it looks to me that he is wearing Army ACU Trousers with a MARPAT backpack. However, the pics don't always give the whole story. If this is the case however, there is your answer. Also, if he suffers from some sort of mental illness, just leave him be and have the local Jr. ROTC Teacher have a chat with him. At this point, I wouldn't call it stolen valor, it may be a case of fantasy act out by a psych patient. I wouldn't worry too much about that. If he starts carrying weapons, or making threatening statements or comments, then it will be time to act. Just my two Shekels.

Response by SSG Dean Frame made Oct 3 at 2015 5:32 PM

2015-10-03T17:32:48-04:00

Well the pants are Army digital commo the backpack is marine yes its definitely S.V. Piece of shit want to be.

Response by SSG Dean Frame made Oct 3 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-10-03T17:40:09-04:00

The pants are Army digital cammo and the backpack is Marines. Does he not know the difference.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-10-03T18:02:41-04:00

Army trousers. The kid's a f'in retard.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-10-03T18:20:35-04:00

Response by Sgt Peter Vasquez made Oct 3 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-10-03T19:20:55-04:00

Claims to be a marine with a Army uniform lol

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Oct 3 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-10-03T19:39:14-04:00

He seems kinda confused. Wearing Army ACU boots and bottom, but carrying a MARPAT backpack.....

Response by PFC M A made Oct 4 at 2015 2:10 AM

2015-10-04T02:10:01-04:00

Stolen valor is a federal crime

Response by SGT John Martin made Oct 4 at 2015 8:49 AM

2015-10-04T08:49:25-04:00

Ask to see his contract. Tell others to do so as well. That will stop it right quick.

A lot of high schools have recruiters that visit schools. He or she would be a good resource - I am sure they deal with this a lot.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 10:28 AM

2015-10-04T10:28:33-04:00

Kick his ass and tell him to stop disrespecting our uniforms.

Response by CPL Lane Bailey made Oct 4 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-10-04T14:07:31-04:00

ummm maybe i'm a little out of date but those are Army ACU's not marines. The Marines are more brown and they don't wear the tan combat boot's like the Army does notice his bag doesn't look like his uniform so either this guy is totally stupid and put a velcro marines name tape on an army uniform or the marines decided to look like the army which i don't see happening but i guess anythings possible.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 1:31 PM

2017-09-03T13:31:17-04:00

Maybe a better approach would be to thank him for his support for all those who have and are serving in the military. If he tries to tell you he has served just ask him to prove it. Don't be confrontational, students will soon see him for who he is, or trying to pull off.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2017 1:41 PM

2017-09-03T13:41:01-04:00

Hey, @LTC Kevin Broom, PhD, you paying attention here???

Response by SSG Warren Armitage made Sep 3 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-09-03T13:49:11-04:00

Unfortunately as long as he isnt trying to benefit feom it i.e. collecting ant money or medical benefits the supreme court has struck all the laws against it down stating it is within hos 1st amendment rights. As much as i really hate idiots that do this there really isnt much that can be done at this point

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Sep 3 at 2017 1:53 PM

2017-09-03T13:53:52-04:00

Actually, I would say no. It is however illegal to wear any uniform or part of any uniform to which you are not entitled and or did not earn, and is a felony under Federal law.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Sep 3 at 2017 3:20 PM

2017-09-03T15:20:04-04:00

Since he is on medications, I would just leave him to the experts. And if everyone knows he has mental issues, aint much you can do. Is he trying to get something out of wearing the uniform? If not, no big deal really. Just play along. He is probably living in his own little world and you will not do any good by yourself.

Response by PO3 Thomas Craver made Sep 3 at 2017 6:06 PM

2017-09-03T18:06:50-04:00

You stated that he has some psych issues so YOU are the one who has to be even keeled and professional here. If you are offended by this, it is by your choice only. Save yourself some heartache and pursue YOUR dreams and goals to the absolute best of your abilities. Nature will run it's course with this guy and you will have real enemies to deal with in the near future. Best of luck too you

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Sep 4 at 2017 3:27 PM

2017-09-04T15:27:25-04:00

As him for his ID card. All military personal are required to carry one and produce it on demand.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 6:09 PM

2017-09-06T18:09:28-04:00

Tell him when a real marine finds out he is cheating he will probably get his back side beat.

Response by LCpl Ronald Tharp made Mar 21 at 2018 9:14 AM

2018-03-21T09:14:19-04:00

i dont believe the uniform should be worn until one has been through bootcamp and earned as so many others have done

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 2:11 PM

2019-08-15T14:11:00-04:00

Look you can say stolen valor all day long but has anyone ever been convicted or charged with stolen valor? Idk Bc I’ve never heard a case in the news.

Response by SPC Timothy Stafford made Aug 15 at 2019 3:33 PM

2019-08-15T15:33:57-04:00

Most charlatans have mental health issues that should be considered before accusations of stolen valor. Let him say what he wants; life always has a way of catching up with itself.

Response by SP5 Gary Smith made Aug 15 at 2019 5:46 PM

2019-08-15T17:46:51-04:00

No one believed him. Relax. You have more important things to worry about.

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Aug 15 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-08-15T21:47:20-04:00

I once met a young guy who obviously had some mental issues. He wasn't wearing any uniform clothing. But he told me he had been a Marine. I knew better, but thought there might be an outside chance his eggs got scrambled while in, so I asked what his MOS was. He looked really puzzled, so I said "What was your job?" (I know, but ...). He said "Oh, I was a medic!" I started to explain it to him and tell him he was full of crap, but then just decided to let it go and walked away. Obvious mental problems, why dump on him some more?

People like to feel important and be accepted as part of a group. Unfortunately this drives some to lie. But it's a lie they cannot sustain. If you know the guy you might gently explain the problem to him. If not, just hope it doesn't blow up in his face and land some Marine (or other serviceman) in court when it does. For that reason if you can find an authority figure willing to deal with it the best thing is turn the problem over to them, then just let it go.

Response by PO2 Samuel Elliott made Aug 16 at 2019 12:23 AM

2019-08-16T00:23:31-04:00

You have already explained that the individual is mentally handicapped. If he does no harm and does not use it for financial gain, then let him be. It is the people that use false military service for that give people a bad name.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Evetts made Aug 16 at 2019 4:32 AM

2019-08-16T04:32:40-04:00

Just going to throw it out there if it’s the person above those are Army ACU pants. Spent enough time wearing those things that will only blend in with a gravel pit.

Response by Cpl Brad Cochran made Aug 16 at 2019 6:43 AM

2019-08-16T06:43:18-04:00

Their is a reason why we Marines say the few and proud. Some people can only dream about earning that Eagle Globe and Anchor.

Response by PFC Shawn West made Nov 3 at 2019 4:28 PM

2019-11-03T16:28:08-05:00

He's wearing Army ACU pants.

Response by SSG Mark Matteson made Nov 3 at 2019 6:44 PM

2019-11-03T18:44:04-05:00

Why don't you try befriending this kid and get him on the right track. You might be the guy that saves this kid.

Response by CWO4 Gene A. made Nov 3 at 2019 7:25 PM

2019-11-03T19:25:18-05:00

Read up on Stolen Valor. As long as he is not profiting from wearing the uniform or making claims it is not Stolen Valor. It appears by the statement he may have some mental problems. Leave it be. Be aware if he demonstrates anything beyond his few statements. Quiet counseling may be all that is warranted by a local recruiter or veteran.

Response by CWO5 Ray Lee made Nov 3 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-11-03T20:17:26-05:00

That Trouser is not MARPAT. Backpack, maybe. Lol

Response by SCPO William Akin made Nov 3 at 2019 8:22 PM

2019-11-03T20:22:53-05:00

This post is 4, I repeat 4 years old..
What happened?????

Response by SGT Mathew Husen made Nov 4 at 2019 6:31 AM

2019-11-04T06:31:10-05:00

Does he claim to be an actual Marine? If no, then leave it be.

Response by PVT James Day made Nov 4 at 2019 7:39 PM

2019-11-04T19:39:41-05:00

And Now he is able to sue you for Violation of his H.I.P.A. rights.

Response by SSgt Randall Morrow made Nov 6 at 2019 2:21 PM

2019-11-06T14:21:17-05:00

He MAY HAVE enlisted in the USMC but has not started BASIC...... BUT THAT DOES NOT GIVE HIM THE RIGHT TO WEAR ANY PART OF THE UNIFORM THAT I.D.'S HIM AS ACTIVE.

Anyone can wear military clothing they got from resale store! IF HE SAYS HE IS ACTIVE WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL should be brought to the attention of the USMC recruiting station and I KNOW THEY WILL STRAIGHTEN HIS DUMB ASS OUT IN A SECOND!!!!