What do you think is the cause of the recent rise in Stolen Valor?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 10:52:07 -0500

I have noticed lately across various discussion boards that there seems to be a huge spike in the occurrence of individuals posing as Soldiers. I am not sure if there are, in fact, more of them now or if it simply being dragged into the public spotlight more now.
I know this is a sensitive topic for some. I have found myself infuriated by some of these people posing as service members for one reason or another and, quite simply, making us look bad to the general public.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Dec 7 at 2014 10:54 AM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 10:54:06 -0500

I would think if their is a recent rise in stolen valor, it would be due to the holiday season being upon us. Everybody loves them some discounts, and not to mention, we have the coolest clothes around, great conversation starters. What I don't get, is that with all the ways to get a hold of the 670-1, none of these jokers even take the time to read it. It even comes with pictures so anybody could figure out how the "pieces of flair" go on the the uniform.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 11:25 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:25:39 -0500

Feeble minded cowards whom seek discounts for the holidays. They seek comfort and to fill that void in their pathetic lives. Safe to say that even some of these fakes are emotionally disturbed(mental deficiency) and maybe just maybe a little light should be set in their defense because they more than likely don't know any better due to their conditions. Others may have legitimately attempted to join the Armed Forces and failed to do so for various reasons and never let it go. I think the spike may just be perfect timing, seasonal and a mix of the publics strong social media reach.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 11:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:43:22 -0500

What what I have seen and what I have read it looks like it is done by:
(1) people who are disturbed in one sense of the word or another.
(2) People who, as SrA Jonathan Davila mentioned, who tried to join but were either not allowed or got booted from Basic for one reason or another.
(3) People who are socially inept and lead extraordinarily boring lives and feel like they need to compensate by coming up with this secendary (imaginary) lives so as to keep people interested in them.
(4) Ignorant people who think we won't notice
(5) Combinations of the above.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 11:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:46:08 -0500

I think more so about more of us are watching and making it more public via social media. In reality even publicity is a smaller fraction outside of the military community.

Response by SFC Chester Dunn made Dec 7 at 2014 11:49 AM

SFC Chester Dunn — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:49:25 -0500

I think it up to us soldiers to identify these fakes and set them straight professionaly.
Embarrassing them in public may be the only way you will ever find them but stay professional.
Video and take pictures and post them on FB I am proud of the soldiers that stepped up to the plate when they spotted those imposters good job. Every soldier in uniform knows what is at hand to wear any uniform we earned it not for some fat duck to infringe on it.