View Full Version : Expert: 300 Impostors for Each Real SEAL
BMT (RIP)
02-01-2010, 07:45
http://www.military.com/news/article/expert-300-impostors-for-each-real-seal.html?ESRC=eb.nl
:eek:
BMT
Well, there never have been that many guys in Special Forces, but the world is filled with Green Berets...
They're everywhere - here's a chart and some pics to help you identify them. :p
Richard
greenberetTFS
02-01-2010, 12:04
Impostors are every where! :rolleyes: My Dad told me that after the WW2 war(he was a combat medic in the pacific) that wherever he went after the war there must have been a 100,000 guys that claimed they were on the first wave that hit Omaha beach........... :eek: Same thing about that many claiming to have been on the first wave hitting the beach at Iwo Jima......... :mad:
Big Teddy :munchin
HowardCohodas
02-01-2010, 12:39
I do not do this, but I'm curious none-the-less.
Do you differentiate between those who wear SF items (belt buckles for example) to pass as SF and those who may wear SF items so that when asked, can express respect but not membership?
This question occurs because of the popularity of "awareness" rubber wrist bands. I do wear a health related one of those, but I earned it :(. I hope I am doing a service regarding awareness by stimulating conversation of an often undiagnosed problem.
Team Sergeant
02-01-2010, 12:39
Well, there never have been that many guys in Special Forces, but the world is filled with Green Berets...
Yup, I met one a few years ago. Guy looked like 350lbs of chewed bubblegum and was sporting a "RANGER" tee-shirt. I asked him what battalion he was in he answered "1st Battalion". He asked me what unit I served in and I said 5th Gp and a few other places, he then said he was also in 5th Gp, I said "oh yeah, what ODA?" His answer,
"1st Platoon ODA"
If I was not laughing as hard as I was after that answer I would have killed him.
Team Sergeant
02-01-2010, 12:47
I do not do this, but I'm curious none-the-less.
Do you differentiate between those who wear SF items (belt buckles for example) to pass as SF and those who may wear SF items so that when asked, can express respect but not membership?
This question occurs because of the popularity of "awareness" rubber wrist bands. I do wear a health related one of those, but I earned it :(. I hope I am doing a service regarding awareness by stimulating conversation of an often undiagnosed problem.
Those that wear Special Forces items that are "not" related to a Special Forces soldier probably watch Richard Simmons work out videos and listen to Barry Manilow records.;)
HowardCohodas
02-01-2010, 12:58
Those that wear Special Forces items that are "not" related to a Special Forces soldier probably watch Richard Simmons work out videos and listen to Barry Manilow records.;)
Damn, now I have to clean ice tea from my shirt, laptop keyboard and screen and my pants. Sure is a good thing I work at home.
I feel better, because I don't do that stuff either. :D
Dozer523
02-01-2010, 13:07
Those that wear Special Forces items that are "not" related to a Special Forces soldier probably watch Richard Simmons work out videos and listen to Barry Manilow records.;)
I heard Richard Simmons tabbed on his second patrol at Ranger School and was a USMA grad. As for Barry I think he IS a Seal.
Utah Bob
02-01-2010, 13:37
I heard Richard Simmons tabbed on his second patrol at Ranger School and was a USMA grad. As for Barry I think he IS a Seal.
Richard Simmons was on the the same team as Mr. Rogers
He's killed more men than smallpox. ;)
Red Flag 1
02-01-2010, 17:53
The Military Officer's Association monthly pub carried a five page article entitled " Decorated in Shame". I found it interesting that actor Brian M. Dennehy, of Silvarado fame, was included as having been convicted for falsely claiming Vietnam service.
RF 1
Sorry, y'all. Gotta say this.
It's not so much that the guys who "claim" to be QP's want the recognition. What the hell, the accomplishments of QP's should be a source of great pride for those who actually did the job. AAMOF, every US citizen can be extremely proud of the service offered by QPs, or those who received recognition for Above and Beyond service. But, what chaps my ass is that those who only served in small, inglorious roles in any of our services and then fake something more glorious somehow thinks that his/her service in that hapless but real capacity is not enough to be proud of. That's crap. Assholes who fake the details of a more glorious or whiz-bang service than they actually performed degrade the millions of us who serve in the mundane, potato pealing roles. I'm a non-QP guy, but I'm extremely proud of my service. In my opinion, any service to our country that is done honorably is cause for great pride, and those who fake it insult all the rest of us who serve, regardless of whether the service was as a super-chief or as the one of the clumsy braves who stayed in the brush and held the horses.
............. But, what chaps my ass is that those who only served in small, inglorious roles in any of our services and then fake something more glorious.................
At times I hang out with guys who served in the various services. No heros, just guys who did their jobs and got out - but the stories :D - everybody has a number of good ones. The Navy and Coast Guard guys have a bunch - who'da' thunk chippin' paint could be the start of a great story. Deck Division must have been an interesting place.
There's nothing better than a good story, Pete, but I'd bet every service has their "deck division", sea stories, etc. Not just unique to the Navy or Coast Guard. The fun stops when those deck-apes (or ground pounders) start believing their own wildassed yarns. That's when someone quiet and unseen needs to gently slap the crap out of them.
AngelsSix
02-02-2010, 06:31
At times I hang out with guys who served in the various services. No heros, just guys who did their jobs and got out - but the stories :D - everybody has a number of good ones. The Navy and Coast Guard guys have a bunch - who'da' thunk chippin' paint could be the start of a great story. Deck Division must have been an interesting place.
Or the Hanger Deck for that matter!!:D
The Reaper
02-02-2010, 07:39
"There are no small roles. Only small actors."
"There are no small roles. Only small actors."
Thanks, sir. That's 100% right!
ZonieDiver
02-02-2010, 09:06
When you read about some of these guys who really work hard and put lots of effort into being fake military vets, you wonder why they didn't just go and attempt to do the real thing from the get-go.
Hmmmm... chickenshit???
Utah Bob
02-02-2010, 09:24
Hmmmm... chickenshit???
Yes, I believe that is the correct medical term for their condition.
HowardCohodas
02-02-2010, 10:41
Yes, I believe that is the correct medical term for their condition.
Anecdotal evidence only, but another reason might be obesity. :D
Dragbag036
02-02-2010, 11:29
Sorry, y'all. Gotta say this.
It's not so much that the guys who "claim" to be QP's want the recognition. What the hell, the accomplishments of QP's should be a source of great pride for those who actually did the job. AAMOF, every US citizen can be extremely proud of the service offered by QPs, or those who received recognition for Above and Beyond service. But, what chaps my ass is that those who only served in small, inglorious roles in any of our services and then fake something more glorious somehow thinks that his/her service in that hapless but real capacity is not enough to be proud of. That's crap. Assholes who fake the details of a more glorious or whiz-bang service than they actually performed degrade the millions of us who serve in the mundane, potato pealing roles. I'm a non-QP guy, but I'm extremely proud of my service. In my opinion, any service to our country that is done honorably is cause for great pride, and those who fake it insult all the rest of us who serve, regardless of whether the service was as a super-chief or as the one of the clumsy braves who stayed in the brush and held the horses.
Part of that starts with themselves. My youngest son came home once, a few years ago, and was telling me about he and a friends conversation. This other young lad seemed to have no respect for what his father did in the military. Basically because I was a QP, I was better than his father. When I was given the chance some time later, I explained to the kid that he should be proud of hid father no matter the MOS.
I too was one of those guys who thought "if you ain't infantry, you ain't shit", but as I looked around at all the MLRS during Desert Storm, and all the many people making things happen on a mobile battlefield, my thoughts changed. I'm sure every QP in here has a story of some guy talking about why he did or didn't go SF, quoting Zonie "Hmmmm... chickenshit???. I had grown so pissed once that I turned around while in line at Graf, and told some soldier in front of his wife he was full of crap. I have a Ranger Tab, but I was not in Battalion, I don't lie about that. No FRICKIN EXCUSES, people should get off their ass and at least try or shut the F--k up!
Rant over...for now
Defender968
02-02-2010, 19:26
http://www.military.com/news/article/expert-300-impostors-for-each-real-seal.html?ESRC=eb.nl
:eek:
BMT
Doesn't surprise me a bit, hell I met one today....claimed to be from seal who was in Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm 1, OEFx2 and OIF, and a wait for it...... a CMOH recipient, who happened to be down on his luck i.e. homeless asking for a hand out. I asked him what unit he was with, and he said seal team 2, then went on to say he received The Medal for carrying two buddies out of danger, one on each shoulder again wait for it...... during Panama, I then gave him the stink eye and said dripping in sarcasm, really I wasn't aware there were any MOHs awarded during Panama...he moved along pretty quickly after that, posers are everywhere.
HowardCohodas
02-02-2010, 19:41
Doesn't surprise me a bit, hell I met one today....claimed to be from seal who was in Panama, Grenada, Desert Storm 1, OEFx2 and OIF, and a wait for it...... a CMOH recipient, who happened to be down on his luck i.e. homeless asking for a hand out. I asked him what unit he was with, and he said seal team 2, then went on to say he received The Medal for carrying two buddies out of danger, one on each shoulder again wait for it...... during Panama, I then gave him the stink eye and said dripping in sarcasm, really I wasn't aware there were any MOHs awarded during Panama...he moved along pretty quickly after that, posers are everywhere.
Full disclosure: My wife works for a local non-profit agency whose mission "ICAN Housing Solutions helps persons with psychiatric disabilities obtain housing in order to live independently and advance in their personal recovery. The agency's goal is to develop permanent supportive housing for persons with mental disabilities to end their homelessness."
It turns out that many homeless are that way because of psychiatric difficulties. You may want to cut such a person some slack. I do not put him in the same category of a recently outed police officer.
Defender968
02-02-2010, 19:48
Full disclosure: My wife works for a local non-profit agency whose mission "ICAN Housing Solutions helps persons with psychiatric disabilities obtain housing in order to live independently and advance in their personal recovery. The agency's goal is to develop permanent supportive housing for persons with mental disabilities to end their homelessness."
It turns out that many homeless are that way because of psychiatric difficulties. You may want to cut such a person some slack. I do not put him in the same category of a recently outed police officer.
I understand, but I also know how to question people and gauge their responses from my time as an LEO, this guy knew he was full of it, and I've got nothing for a liar and a fraud, especially one claiming the CMOH.
The Reaper
02-02-2010, 19:51
Full disclosure: My wife works for a local non-profit agency whose mission "ICAN Housing Solutions helps persons with psychiatric disabilities obtain housing in order to live independently and advance in their personal recovery. The agency's goal is to develop permanent supportive housing for persons with mental disabilities to end their homelessness."
It turns out that many homeless are that way because of psychiatric difficulties. You may want to cut such a person some slack. I do not put him in the same category of a recently outed police officer.
I am sorry, but it is equally possible that he fully understands what he is doing and is attempting to portray himself as a hero to personally benefit himself financially.
Many people are homeless because they choose to do so. Several studies I have seen have shown that the "homeless" and those who panhandle make a very nice bit of money from it.
Why doesn't anyone beg for money and claim that they are a former politician? Oh wait, that would make them lobbyists.
TR
HowardCohodas
02-02-2010, 20:09
I am sorry, but it is equally possible that he fully understands what he is doing and is attempting to portray himself as a hero to personally benefit himself financially.
Many people are homeless because they choose to do so. Several studies I have seen have shown that the "homeless" and those who panhandle make a very nice bit of money from it.
Why doesn't anyone beg for money and claim that they are a former politician? Oh wait, that would make them lobbyists.
TR
How did you manage to eavesdrop on the "discussions" my wife and I have on this subject. :D
Although any competent economist understands that there is an infinite demand for free service I continue to butt heads with her about measuring success by how many people they serve. She also founded a food rescue service for our county working with state legislators to get a Good Samaritan law passed to protect donors. She still believes hunger is measured by how much free food she pass out. I guess opposites attract.
I have been at her work place and many are truly clinically psychotic. I tend to always give people the benefit of the doubt. That means that I am easy to roll. Once they prove unworthy, I have no problem being aggressively mean. Until that time ...
Saturation
02-03-2010, 19:03
I have a retired physician that is telling staff that he was a "SEAL Surgeon". Specifically he provided care for SEALs in the Gulf War- my response was skeptical based on his years of service but allowed for the remote possibility bunches of them came to him through private practice?! :confused:
First time I heard an American surgeon claim special forces.... reinforces for me it can be the cop, the homeless guy, or the M.D.
I think the survey was done in 1995. It found out that 13 million males served in Viet-Nam war. Actual count was just under 3 million men and women. That extra 10 million were not, clerks, truck drivers, or even legs or grunts, they were sneaky petes, snipers, SOG, SF, Seals, and CIA. Fortunately for ASA, no movies where ever done about them.
We sure could have used all those 10 million Special operators in that war, it would have been over in '64.
Utah Bob
02-04-2010, 08:13
I have a retired physician that is telling staff that he was a "SEAL Surgeon". Specifically he provided care for SEALs in the Gulf War- my response was skeptical based on his years of service but allowed for the remote possibility bunches of them came to him through private practice?! :confused:
First time I heard an American surgeon claim special forces.... reinforces for me it can be the cop, the homeless guy, or the M.D.
A Seal Surgeon would be a vet.
Get it?:D
Saturation
02-04-2010, 16:47
A Seal Surgeon would be a vet.
Get it?:D
LOL :p
As an aside his civilian role was orthopedic surgeon.
greenberetTFS
02-04-2010, 17:13
Yup, I met one a few years ago. Guy looked like 350lbs of chewed bubblegum and was sporting a "RANGER" tee-shirt. I asked him what battalion he was in he answered "1st Battalion". He asked me what unit I served in and I said 5th Gp and a few other places, he then said he was also in 5th Gp, I said "oh yeah, what ODA?" His answer,
"1st Platoon ODA"
If I was not laughing as hard as I was after that answer I would have killed him.
Gee whiz TS,you've just shamed me for looking into getting myself a 5x "Special Forces" tee-shirt.............:(:(:(
Big Teddy :munchin