How to Spot a Fake Military Person?
The military is an institution that commands respect and admiration. However, with the rise of impostors and wannabes, it’s essential to be aware of how to identify a genuine military person from a fake one. Whether you’re a military veteran, a recruiter, or just someone who wants to verify the authenticity of a person claiming to be a military personnel, this article will guide you through the process of spotting a fake military person.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Before we dive into the specific characteristics of a fake military person, it’s crucial to recognize the red flags that may indicate a person is not who they claim to be. These red flags include:
- Over-the-top bravado: Fake military personnel often boast about their service, accomplishments, and decorations to impress others.
- Vagueness: If someone is unwilling to provide specific details about their service, unit, or duties, it may be a sign of dishonesty.
- Poor communication skills: Genuine military personnel often have excellent communication skills, while fake ones may struggle to articulate themselves.
Visual Cues to Check
When interacting with someone who claims to be a military personnel, pay attention to the following visual cues:
- Uniform and Equipment: A genuine military personnel will wear the correct uniform, insignia, and equipment for their branch and rank. Be suspicious if someone is wearing an unauthorized uniform or mismatched insignia.
- ID Cards and Credentials: Genuine military personnel carry official identification cards, medical records, and other relevant documents. If someone cannot produce these documents or has unclear, blurry, or poorly photocopied versions, it may be a red flag.
- Ranks and Insignia: Verify the ranks and insignia on a person’s uniform or shoulder board. Fake military personnel may display incorrect or misused ranks and insignia.
Behavioral Red Flags
Genuine military personnel typically exhibit certain behavioral traits. Be wary of someone who:
- Exaggerates or Fabricates Stories: Fake military personnel may embellish or fabricate stories about their service, missions, or awards.
- Displays Disdain for Military Procedures: Genuine military personnel respect the chain of command, regulations, and protocols. If someone is dismissive or flippant about these procedures, it may indicate they are not a real military personnel.
- Asks for Money or Favors: Legitimate military personnel do not solicit money or favors from civilians.
Common Fake Military Titles and Ranks
Here’s a list of common fake military titles and ranks:
| Fake Title/Rank | Real Military Title/Rank |
|---|---|
| Colonel/Commander | None (fake) |
| Captain (Air Force or Army) | None (fake) |
| Major General (Air Force) | Brigadier General (Army) |
| General (with no branch) | None (fake) |
How to Verify Military Credentials
If you suspect someone is a fake military person, here are the steps to verify their credentials:
- Check for Official Documents: Verify the person’s official military ID card, discharge paperwork, or other relevant documents.
- Verify Branch and Unit: Research the person’s claimed branch and unit to ensure it’s a real and valid organization.
- Check Awards and Decorations: Verify the person’s claimed awards and decorations with official records or reputable sources.
- Conduct a Background Check: Use official channels to conduct a background check on the person’s military service and personnel file.
Conclusion
Spotting a fake military person requires attention to detail, awareness of common red flags, and knowledge of military protocols and procedures. By being vigilant and taking the necessary steps to verify someone’s credentials, you can avoid being taken in by impostors and maintain the integrity of the military institution. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with individuals who claim to be military personnel.
