The only uniform this reporter has worn was a university police department cadet uniform. That was tough enough. It's hard to imagine what military personnel, firefighters, and police officers live through every day they put on their uniforms.

 

On some occasions, when not wearing a complete uniform with medals, badges, and other distinctive pieces, it is often overlooked. However, specific parts of a uniform and decorations are not authorized for a civilian to wear and are a crime. Depending on the circumstances, such as the commission of other crimes when wearing the uniform, additional charges could be added.

 

The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 goes into more detail, but even a civilian caught wearing the most distinguished medals might only be fined with a jail term of not more than a year. Many soldiers have given their lives, and others who survived gave more than any of us will ever know. It is disappointing punishment does not fit the prestigious honor those medals were meant to convey. Not imposing harsher penalties for those making a mockery of the decorations tarnishes their worth.

 

Some less than honorable individuals are always looking for a way around doing the right thing. It's easier to choose to fraudulently claim to have earned the rank, uniform, or medals.

 

So what happens when civilians make claims of being, or of having been in the military? Few claim to be a junior soldier. When they do, it's more for benefits and less for the accolades, exclusive access, or favors those who use the officer ranks to obtain. There are levels of severity for this crime, depending on what the impersonator accessed or obtained while falsely claiming to be military personnel.

 

Claiming to have been a military officer, such as a Captian, Admiral, or other high-level officers, is a more severe offense. Additional charges could be added to the following:

 

A military officer is a federal employee and according to U.S. Code - Title 18 CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - Part I CRIMES - Chapter 43 FALSE PERSONATION - Section 912 Officer or employee of the United States "Whoever falsely assumes or pretends to be an officer or employee acting under the authority of the United States or any department, agency or officer thereof, and acts as such, or in such pretended character demands or obtains any money, paper, document, or thing of value, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both." Again, not much of a punishment considering what those who actually served their country sacrificed and endured. More information: https://www.govinfo.gov/

 

What a civilian gains from lying about having military service or from wearing the uniform and medals often far exceeds the possible punishment. This is why it happens even in the smallest communities across America. Both are crimes, but punishment for the crime is only a slap on the wrist. In addition to the lack of punishment, is difficulty in unmasking the impersonators. 

 

In the case of firefighters and police, the Georgia law O.C.G.A. 16-10-23 (2010) deals with impersonating a public officer or employee. For specific details, visit https://georgia.gov/. Anyone who falsely claims to be a peace officer or other public officer, or even an employee with intent to mislead another, upon conviction, can be fined up to $1,000.00 or given a prison sentence of up to 5 years, or both. A little harsher punishment in this case. Again, additional charges might be added depending on the circumstances surrounding the impersonation. 

 

What do you do if you suspect someone is making false claims? Contact the proper authorities immediately. The following information should help you locate the help you need.

 

Impersonating an Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine or Navy officer, Policeman, Firefigher, etc. is an offense punishable by law as listed above. It is also disrespectful to those who served and wore the uniform and medals.

 

If you feel you have been scammed by a person claiming to be a U.S. Soldier online, contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center - https://www.ic3.gov/

 

Air Force - Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) – https://www.osi.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/349947/crimebusters/

 

Army - U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command (CID) - https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html

 

Coast Guard - Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) - https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Coast-Guard-Investigative-Service/

 

Marines or Navy - Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) - https://www.ncis.navy.mil

 

Federal Trade Commission - https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

 

For someone pretending to be a police officer, firefigher or other local officer, start locally with the appropriate department or begin with the police department.