Local Hero Poised To Make Good

[jeders]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried fake checking someone on active duty? As someone there myself, I don't have the DD-214 to show off- it's only issued at separation. Other ducuments like my Officer Record Brief list awards, but also have more information than I care to share with every random inquisitor not on official business. I wonder if uninformed fake-checkers ever cry foul when someone on active duty (who will not have a DD-214) can't produce that specific document?

Yes, when needed. Generally a copy of their military ID will suffice for proof of rank. Also, a set of orders or an awards certificate will do for proof of ability to wear any military awards, none of which contains a great deal of extra private info. Also, if they can't tell you wear the weight room is at the base gym, or some other insignificant detail, that's a decent red flag.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Checking only comes in when you want something for the service. Position, wear of awards, advancement, etc. I'm sure there are those out there in CAP who served and no one even knows.

[Eclipse]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried fake checking someone on active duty?

They'll have a CAC in their pocket and a commander you can call.

[NCRblues]

Has anyone ever run into a real vet that got pissed for checking? I would assume that they would appreciate people not giving posers a chance...

I have been "fake-checked" several times.

I have no problem showing documentation to my chain of command, now with that said...

I stopped wearing my AF bling on CAP uniform because I was sick and tired of every joe blow who happened to be at the same region/wing conference with me demanding to know how/where/when/who of every award I had... So I stopped putting them on. I don't need Capt. AmericabecauseiminCAP demanding to see proof of my NDSM.

[jimmydeanno]

I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.  Yeah, I'm like that.  However, it's because for the most part, I really don't give a crap because I don't really care about people's tales that they want to tell everyone.

Other than Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Tesla, I haven't run into a single vet who tells their war stories.  They'll tell the "you gotta hear this funny thing that happened" story, but other than that, nothing.  We don't talk about ribbons, where they earned them, how they earned them.  I really don't have time for it, and the people who do feel the need to try and tell me their superhero stories, I just don't listen.  "Yeah...I'm a Ranger PJ with 19 tours in Iraq.  I was one of the first ones on the ground during Desert Storm.  Then because of my elite training, I camped out there until after 9/11, undetected.  Then I sniped 2,600 Iraqi Special Forces, hiked across Iran to Afghanistan and continued the barrage." Me, "Oh, Ok.  So, about those reports we need." 

I have no time for toolbaggery.  In my unit, I get people's DD-214s.  I know not every commander does, but, like I said, they're few and far between, and most expose themselves for what they are eventually.  I don't let random seniors decide to take over cadet classes by awing them with stories of grandeur.  CAP is CAP.  Even the guest speakers who are certifiable war heroes don't talk about their war stories, they talk about leadership, personal characteristics, "the right stuff," why America needs leaders, etc. 

[abdsp51]

When I rejpined last year there were two things that held my app up.  One of those was NHQ wanted a copy of my DD214 and a short phone call later that was cleared up.

Ms. Tesla-Anderson put herself in the position she's in and has no one to blame but herself.  To add insult to injury was the VA Wg CV sticking up for her even after being presented with the facts that she was a fake. 

[UH60guy]

I stopped wearing my AF bling on CAP uniform because I was sick and tired of every joe blow who happened to be at the same region/wing conference with me demanding to know how/where/when/who of every award I had... So I stopped putting them on. I don't need Capt. AmericabecauseiminCAP demanding to see proof of my NDSM.

And that's kinda what I was getting at. It's a shame that because of overzealous people wanting to spot fakes, actual veterans can feel like it's too much trouble to take pride (in the modest way of wearing a ribbon) in their accomplishments in service to the nation. I understand your pain though- it's becoming not worth the hassle.

I guess that's why I'll give people the benefit of the doubt- it's just my perspective, but I'd rather let a faker slip by than unduly hassle those who actually served. The fakers usually sort themselves out over time.

[Eclipse]

If we applied the pre-wear substantiation requirements evenly then it wouldn't be considered a hassle for anyone.

[Майор Хаткевич]

If we applied the pre-wear substantiation requirements evenly then it wouldn't be considered a hassle for anyone.

+1. I've had a question on someone, and instead of reaching out to them, I talked to their CoC to see if they had done the background.

[abdsp51]

At least for AD/RES/NG members of the AF a VMPF printout would substantiate what they are allowed to wear.  I don't wear mine due to the cost involved.

[NIN]

I'm going to my first meeting in AF-style since I "un-retired" tonight.  Short sleeve blues are customarily worn without ribbons, anyway.

Strangely, my Army rack is updated (even though I've been out of the Army 15+ years) with the KDSM. And yes, I have a DD-215 showing that. I only wear ribbons on my service coat, so that will have to wait.

[SarDragon]

I haven't worn military ribbons on my CAP uniform since I retired from the Navy in '89. Before that, my most recent CC was an AF E-8, and he did verify my awards when I rejoined.

[Flying Pig]

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried fake checking someone on active duty?

They'll have a CAC in their pocket and a commander you can call.

Yes.  An Army E7 wearing a SEAL Trident.  I called him on it and he ended up being a complete fraud.  Spent about 15yrs in the Army, earned several promotions based on completely fake documents.  He was dishonorably discharged as an E1.  Ill see if I can find the article about him.