When a Civilian Impersonates Military Officers, Police Officers, Firefighters

There are impersonators among us! It's hard to imagine what military personnel, firefighters, and police officers live through every day they put on their uniforms. The only uniform this reporter has worn was a university police department cadet uniform. That was tough enough. It's easy to understand why men and women falsely make claims to be a part of this elite group. Demanding respect without having had the courage to earn it. There is a federal law on the books prohibiting wearing uniforms and insignia. Wearing an incomplete uniform and no medals is often overlooked. However, specific uniforms or parts of 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. It's no surprise more men than women are caught boosting their egos by falsely claiming to be more than they indeed are. It may be in part due to the fact it wasn't until the terrorist attacks in 2011 when changes to previous policies regarding women and their combat status in wars began changing. What about all those women in the Vietnam War? Or before? Let's discuss the most recent. The United States entered the Vietnam War officially on March 8, 1965. Women were not drafted into the war as their male counterparts were. Ninety percent of the women were nurses, and the rest were in supportive roles. None were officially in the combat zone even though some nurses may have been close and, at times, actually within a combat zone to treat seriously injured. 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 effortless to fraudulently claim to have earned the rank, uniform, or medals. It's an easy way to pad income, sales, or be invited to events and inner circles where one wouldn't normally be allowed to participate. More importantly, it's a simple way to bring attention to themselves they so desperately need. 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 Captain 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. It can also take years to be exposed. This is why it happens even in the smallest communities across America. Punishment for the crime is only a slap on the wrist. Additionally, it can be difficult to unmask the criminal formally. 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. Punishment is a little harder but not significant enough. 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? Listen carefully to their stories. Check if there are facts that back them up. If something doesn't sound right, it probably isn't. Study their uniforms or notice the lack of one to events when a uniform is customarily worn, even if retired. Many who have served have pictures, awards, or mementos, etc. around their home or office. Impersonating an Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine or Navy Officer, Police or Fire personnel is an offense punishable by law as listed above. It is also disrespectful to those who served and wore the uniform and medals. Situations vary but contact proper local authorities immediately if you suspect additional criminal activity or someone impersonating a local official. You can also find more assistance online through one of the following: 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/

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