Stolen valor is a big problem these days. In order to buy a current uniform for your branch should you have to show your CAC.

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 21:50:05 -0400

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 6 at 2015 9:50 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 21:50:52 -0400

I would not think with the uniform, but possibly for awards, rank, etc

Question: How would this stop me from buying uniforms from Ebay, surplus stores, etc?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 3:34 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 03:34:47 -0400

I think you should need to show one but I don't think it will stop the stolen valor problem. The people doing this I doubt are buying the uniforms on base. Uniforms can be bought via the internet, or from a family member or found from someone carelessly disposing of them when they leave the service or the uniform is unserviceable. Best way to fix it is 1) make it punishable and 2) Beat the offender so they aren't lying when they say they sacrificed for the uniform.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 7 at 2015 3:35 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 03:35:03 -0400

I don't think stolen valor is a major problem but we must be diligent when approaching potential stolen valor subjects. People buy uniforms or parts of uniforms for certain purposes. Not everyone intends to commit an act of stolen valor. Prevent non CaC card holders from buying uniform items might also harm the income of certain stores who specialize whole sale or surplus military goods as well.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 6:31 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 06:31:17 -0400

However I don't think that will stop it. People are able to purchase too many items online...not going to show your CAC on the internet.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 6:35 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 06:35:40 -0400

Stolen Valor is a pain for those of us who have actually served, but I hardly think it a crisis needing such strong intervention. The solution generates more problems than it solves, due to all the administrative complexities and harm on businesses that cater in those goods for reasons that are not necessarily stolen valor, which is a pretty good indicator of a bad policy even when well intended.

Of course, the courts have pretty strongly held up the free speech angle (even though I can see room for principled disagreement with the judgment) which is why the prior SV act was struck down and why the new one targets specifically the fraudulent attempt to gain tangible benefits from a select list of awards.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Apr 7 at 2015 6:57 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 06:57:14 -0400

I wouldn't limit it to just a CAC, any military ID should suffice. Typically you have to show a valid form of military ID to purchase anything from Clothing Sales or the Exchange anyway.

Sadly, this still wouldn't do much for online sales of uniform items. There are still too many companies that just want to profit without the integrity, thankfully there are a couple out there that require proof of awards earned before they'll fill an order. One that comes to mind is a family owned business, My Service Pride, they not only ask for proof but they also verify.

Response by CPT Alan W. made Apr 7 at 2015 7:22 AM

CPT Alan W. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:22:11 -0400

I picked up an ACU shirt at Goodwill for $5.00. Its in really good shape, and without any insignia, its really just a shirt. It's perfect for the eastern Oregon desert, where I spend some of my summer weekends doing high power rocketry. I usually wear it with jeans.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 9:07 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:07:58 -0400

I absolutely agree. Sure, it adds a slight hassle for those of us doing the right thing, but it also makes life a little easier when we dont have to waste time busting these morons

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 7 at 2015 4:00 PM

SSG Richard Reilly — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:00:28 -0400

What valor was stolen from you? Isn't imitation the highest form of flattery?
Let people wear what they want. Let them wear it wrong. I personally don't care until they start claiming benefits. And if someone would give those benefits who cares it's their fault for not asking for an ID. These people are idiots and a joke but the people claiming that they have stolen anything are more of a joke to me. What have they stolen? If I wear a New York Yankees T-shirt am I stealing from the hall of fame? Valor and honor is earned and help within you. No one can steal that. When these people cross the line is when they commit fraud to gain things from their stupid lies.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 4:07 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:07:02 -0400

the basic uniform I don't have a problem with other people wearing. (I steal the Marines' woodland uniform for paintball/airsoft/hunt/ninja practice.)... but the tapes, patches, flags and the rest.... that stuff should be locked up tighter than Ft Knox

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 7 at 2015 4:40 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:40:10 -0400

But the thing is these guys are going on eBay and to surplus store to get uniforms, ribbons and badges. How would this combat that???

Response by SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr made Apr 7 at 2015 4:52 PM

SFC Ronnie Seaton Jr — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 16:52:04 -0400

Marlow White will sell you one (dress uniform)online. Amazon will sell the utility uniforms. No ID required.