friscoron wrote:

I know you can post a picture from any point in time, but I think most of us assume that it's recent work that's being posted. Just think that if you're re-posting a shot from 3 years ago, or another shot from that series that wasn't orginally posted, you should provide the link and some info so we don't waste time talking about things that have already been talked about.

As a former American soldier, I really have a hard time believing this was an active-duty soldier. We were taught to follow protocol to the letter, and that was especially true in how we dressed. To throw on a Class A uniform jacket over a white tanktop would be completely, absolutely against regulation even if you were on leave. If this was a civilian or a vet, then he can do what he wants with his uniform.

+1

Rick Joyce wrote:

This man was very much an active duty soldier in the American army in Iraq at the time.. He was deployed to the Patriot missile operation.

Here he was in Canada on leave, off duty and relaxing. He was neither asked to wear full uniform nor to comply with American military dress protocol. He was appreciated because he bothered to show up for our Remembrance Day ceremonies despite not being Canadian.


Maybe he told you he was an American soldier on leave from Iraq, but wearing the jacket without the shirt/tie, wearing a yellow ribbon on the lapel and the sloppy fit of the fruit-salad (decorations/awards ribbons) leads me to think otherwise.
And regardless of why he was there, on leave or not, it's called a UNIFORM for a reason. If he was in the Army he doesn't have permission to wear it however he wants just because he's on leave. Nor is he allowed to wear the uniform with that beard, even if he is on leave.

Oh how I wish I were this numbnutz 1st Sgt... if he truly was on active duty at the time. I can think of all kinds of innovative ways to make sure he remembers how to properly wear the uniform:-)

I agree we should show respect to someone who has served his country, but at the same time, one should show respect to fellow soldiers, by wearing his uniform approperiate.
Being dressed like this makes you wonder, speculate ... and you can't blame the spectator for that !!!

Rgds
Velu

Just an observation as a former soldier (enlisted man) in the Army: it seems unusual for someone that age and rank to have that many ribbons and "add-ons" on a uniform. I'm not saying it's impossible; it just seems not to fit. And I echo others who observed that if you're in the military and you're going to wear part of your uniform, you should wear it all and in a proper manner.

ggleason wrote:
Just an observation as a former soldier (enlisted man) in the Army: it seems unusual for someone that age and rank to have that many ribbons and "add-ons" on a uniform. I'm not saying it's impossible; it just seems not to fit. And I echo others who observed that if you're in the military and you're going to wear part of your uniform, you should wear it all and in a proper manner.
+100
This guy is a douchebag-liar. He must have taken soeone elses medals and threw some more on as well. The 2 top rows are correct, after that the awards are (1) not in order, (2) The Kosove campaign ribbon is on backwards, (3) no subsequst awards (has a good conduct and been in long enough for Kosovo, bus no subsequent GCM awards, (and 4) there were a couple I couldn't identify on the awards poster.

OP, sorry to say this guy wasn't honoring your dead servicemen...he was trolling for tail and lying to get it.

What's the point in posting this picture again if it once brought up the same reactions as now occurring? Posting the picture again, along with this guy's disrepectful attire, seems to have the same intent, to see how many people will react. I've got a feeling that this will be posted again.

no_surrender wrote:
Ron and Dave, couldn't have said it better myself. Civilians don't see this topic the same way active duty members do.

Don't paint with such a broad brush. Although I have never served, I'll bet I view it pretty much the same as you.

TJSarchett wrote:
ggleason wrote:
Just an observation as a former soldier (enlisted man) in the Army: it seems unusual for someone that age and rank to have that many ribbons and "add-ons" on a uniform. I'm not saying it's impossible; it just seems not to fit. And I echo others who observed that if you're in the military and you're going to wear part of your uniform, you should wear it all and in a proper manner.
+100
This guy is a douchebag-liar. He must have taken soeone elses medals and threw some more on as well. The 2 top rows are correct, after that the awards are (1) not in order, (2) The Kosove campaign ribbon is on backwards, (3) no subsequst awards (has a good conduct and been in long enough for Kosovo, bus no subsequent GCM awards, (and 4) there were a couple I couldn't identify on the awards poster.

OP, sorry to say this guy wasn't honoring your dead servicemen...he was trolling for tail and lying to get it.

+1

This guy is waaaayy out of uniform. I doubt he's a service member. As others have already stated, we follow the regs to a tee. Even while on leave, we are not to wear the uniform improperly. Besides the thing about the amount ribbons and only being an E-4, he is also wearing two rifleman badges. One indicating expert and the other indicating marksman. We only wear the one we qualify with in the Army. Not two of different classes like this fellow is doing.

RogerC11 wrote:
This guy is waaaayy out of uniform. I doubt he's a service member. As others have already stated, we follow the regs to a tee. Even while on leave, we are not to wear the uniform improperly. Besides the thing about the amount ribbons and only being an E-4, he is also wearing two rifleman badges. One indicating expert and the other indicating marksman. We only wear the one we qualify with in the Army. Not two of different classes like this fellow is doing.


Yea, he probably saw a Marine in uniform with rifle and pistol qualification badge. I have been out of uniform before, cammies at the gas station, needing a trim and shave on leave(not in uniform), or in the bush, but never, ever seen or heard of anyone mixing up a uniform like this in the general public.

I would guess you had to serve to understand the need to comment about how BS this picture is.

And if this guy feels the need to dress like this and attend public events, all the power too him, because if he keeps it up odds are he is going to get punched in the face for it.

What is offensive here is that this shot is represented as an actual serving member.

Nice. 2-pages and not a peep on the image quality.

Now I begin to see the reason for that poll/thread about why no one post images on the People forum.

alohadave wrote:
rodmcwha wrote:
"He's out of uniform"!!!!!!
With what our soldiers are being asked to endure, right now, and the lack of support from the government that is requiring it, I think that comment is offensive!
A great many of our returning vets are suffering PTSD and/or physical damage that will last a lifetime.
Many have had to come to grips with seeing friends blown apart in front of them.
Yet your only concern is he isn't spit and polish and making a good little ornament for your mistaken impression of American superiority in all things!

I apologize, as I know this is a photo forum, but, you sir, dishonored a soldier!

BS. If you are going to wear the uniform and serve, you had better wear it properly, especially around civilians. You are a representative of the service when you wear your uniform in public.

this soldier (if true) is dishonoring his country by not wearing the uniform properly. As a vet I would be embarrassed by his actions. As a PJ image, from 3 years ago, I fail to see the value today. Exposure et al seem to be good.

Some here have questioned the wearing of marksmanship badges. The soldier (or vet) shown in the photo has on TWO army marksmanship badges.


I qualified as a Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman (three different weapons) and would be allowed to wear three badges.

My Point?
A soldier that qualifies in different weapons at different levels of skill, can have up to THREE different marksmanship badges on the uniform.


Here is a little info on that (from Wikipedia) the fastest source for finding just about anything.

The United States Army issues Marksmanship Qualification Badges to enlisted soldiers, U.S. civilian personnel, and foreign military members at three different qualification levels: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Suspended from the badge are qualification bars that indicate the specific weapon(s) in which the soldier/civilian has qualified. Qualification bars are authorized for the following weapons (listed with exact inscription): Rifle, Pistol, AA Artillery, Auto Rifle, Machinegun, Field Artillery, Tank Weapons, Flamethrower, Submachine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Grenade, Carbine, Recoilless Rifle, Mortar, Bayonet, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile, and Aeroweapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars. [1]

Steady Hand wrote:
Some here have questioned the wearing of marksmanship badges. The soldier (or vet) shown in the photo has on TWO army marksmanship badges.


I qualified as a Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman (three different weapons) and would be allowed to wear three badges.

My Point?
A soldier that qualifies in different weapons at different levels of skill, can have up to THREE different marksmanship badges on the uniform.


Here is a little info on that (from Wikipedia) the fastest source for finding just about anything.

The United States Army issues Marksmanship Qualification Badges to enlisted soldiers, U.S. civilian personnel, and foreign military members at three different qualification levels: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Suspended from the badge are qualification bars that indicate the specific weapon(s) in which the soldier/civilian has qualified. Qualification bars are authorized for the following weapons (listed with exact inscription): Rifle, Pistol, AA Artillery, Auto Rifle, Machinegun, Field Artillery, Tank Weapons, Flamethrower, Submachine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Grenade, Carbine, Recoilless Rifle, Mortar, Bayonet, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile, and Aeroweapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars. [1]

Some others have also questioned the validly of his military ribbons and their placement. The yellow ribbon on his uniform is, of course, not army issue but he wore it this day since his mother wore it every day while he was in Iraq. This is a close up of his decorations.

M Lucca wrote:
Nice. 2-pages and not a peep on the image quality.

Now I begin to see the reason for that poll/thread about why no one post images on the People forum.

When you post a controversial image (especially a second time), the focus is likely to be on the controversy, not on the image quality. It's unfair to relate this to the number of images posted to the People forum. That's just common sense.

Steady Hand wrote:
Some here have questioned the wearing of marksmanship badges. The soldier (or vet) shown in the photo has on TWO army marksmanship badges.


I qualified as a Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman (three different weapons) and would be allowed to wear three badges.

My Point?
A soldier that qualifies in different weapons at different levels of skill, can have up to THREE different marksmanship badges on the uniform.


Here is a little info on that (from Wikipedia) the fastest source for finding just about anything.

The United States Army issues Marksmanship Qualification Badges to enlisted soldiers, U.S. civilian personnel, and foreign military members at three different qualification levels: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Suspended from the badge are qualification bars that indicate the specific weapon(s) in which the soldier/civilian has qualified. Qualification bars are authorized for the following weapons (listed with exact inscription): Rifle, Pistol, AA Artillery, Auto Rifle, Machinegun, Field Artillery, Tank Weapons, Flamethrower, Submachine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Grenade, Carbine, Recoilless Rifle, Mortar, Bayonet, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile, and Aeroweapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars. [1]

Nobody in my unit wears 3 different badges let alone even two. Did you wear all three? If you did, thats fine, I just find it very strange for anyone in active duty service to wear more than one as I've never seen it before. Just as nobody wears the grenade qual badge either. Fact is, no matter how you slice it, he's still out of uniform and looks like shit if you ask me.

Rick Joyce wrote:
Steady Hand wrote:
Some here have questioned the wearing of marksmanship badges. The soldier (or vet) shown in the photo has on TWO army marksmanship badges.


I qualified as a Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman (three different weapons) and would be allowed to wear three badges.

My Point?
A soldier that qualifies in different weapons at different levels of skill, can have up to THREE different marksmanship badges on the uniform.


Here is a little info on that (from Wikipedia) the fastest source for finding just about anything.

The United States Army issues Marksmanship Qualification Badges to enlisted soldiers, U.S. civilian personnel, and foreign military members at three different qualification levels: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Suspended from the badge are qualification bars that indicate the specific weapon(s) in which the soldier/civilian has qualified. Qualification bars are authorized for the following weapons (listed with exact inscription): Rifle, Pistol, AA Artillery, Auto Rifle, Machinegun, Field Artillery, Tank Weapons, Flamethrower, Submachine Gun, Rocket Launcher, Grenade, Carbine, Recoilless Rifle, Mortar, Bayonet, Small Bore Rifle, Small Bore Pistol, Missile, and Aeroweapons. Only three marksmanship badges are authorized for wear at one time and each may only have up to three qualification bars. [1]

Some others have also questioned the validly of his military ribbons and their placement. The yellow ribbon on his uniform is, of course, not army issue but he wore it this day since his mother wore it every day while he was in Iraq. This is a close up of his decorations.



If the supposed soldier is not able to position his first ever ribbon correctly then he never served. The ribbons are not in order and no proud soldier would ever do what he is doing. My father who is 74 would not do this and I would not ever embarrass myself in this fashion. It would be best if people like him would just admit to not serving.

alohadave wrote:
rodmcwha wrote:
"He's out of uniform"!!!!!!
With what our soldiers are being asked to endure, right now, and the lack of support from the government that is requiring it, I think that comment is offensive!
A great many of our returning vets are suffering PTSD and/or physical damage that will last a lifetime.
Many have had to come to grips with seeing friends blown apart in front of them.
Yet your only concern is he isn't spit and polish and making a good little ornament for your mistaken impression of American superiority in all things!

I apologize, as I know this is a photo forum, but, you sir, dishonored a soldier!

BS. If you are going to wear the uniform and serve, you had better wear it properly, especially around civilians. You are a representative of the service when you wear your uniform in public.

PTSD and battle injuries don't excuse not wearing the uniform properly.

Completely agree! The only time we are allowed to relax our uniform in the least bit, is if it benefits the mission at hand (ie. facial hair and such while deployed downrange, modified uniform, shoes, etc.). It's all a part of good order and discipline and representing what it takes to wear that uniform as not everyone can or has the ability to do such. Personally if he was on active duty and wore his uniform this way at a parade, he is out of regs... Doesn't surprise me the least bit if he was a Specialist as either he was a boot or likely had been in trouble before as any active duty member knows you cannot wear your uniform in that manner! If he is a vet, he can wear it as he chooses but if you wear it you should wear it correctly! Not with a damn wife beater shirt and a poppy in his F...ing hat... Just my opinion.

bigkidneys wrote:
alohadave wrote:
rodmcwha wrote:
"He's out of uniform"!!!!!!
With what our soldiers are being asked to endure, right now, and the lack of support from the government that is requiring it, I think that comment is offensive!
A great many of our returning vets are suffering PTSD and/or physical damage that will last a lifetime.
Many have had to come to grips with seeing friends blown apart in front of them.
Yet your only concern is he isn't spit and polish and making a good little ornament for your mistaken impression of American superiority in all things!

I apologize, as I know this is a photo forum, but, you sir, dishonored a soldier!

BS. If you are going to wear the uniform and serve, you had better wear it properly, especially around civilians. You are a representative of the service when you wear your uniform in public.

PTSD and battle injuries don't excuse not wearing the uniform properly.



































































Completely agree! The only time we are allowed to relax our uniform in the least bit, is if it benefits the mission at hand (ie. facial hair and such while deployed downrange, modified uniform, shoes, etc.). It's all a part of good order and discipline and representing what it takes to wear that uniform as not everyone can or has the ability to do such. Personally if he was on active duty and wore his uniform this way at a parade, he is out of regs... Doesn't surprise me the least bit if he was a Specialist as either he was a boot or likely had been in trouble before as any active duty member knows you cannot wear your uniform in that manner! If he is a vet, he can wear it as he chooses but if you wear it you should wear it correctly! Not with a damn wife beater shirt and a poppy in his F...ing hat... Just my opinion.


I think this topic has been belabored and beaten to death enough here.

Photo lacks about 12 points of authenticity, to be frank.

1. Beret doesn't match the uniform
- First Armored Division out of Texas, and NONE of the brigages have that patch on the beret even close to those colors.
2. By and large Canadians wear the poppy - American veteren's wear ribbons
3. Era is probably off, but could have been worn as late as 2003 (dress greens come in several flavors and depends on the unit protocol vs. Army issue at that time)

So .. to me its a Canadian just being a Canadian (and patriotic at that) and not a soilder, which I can respect despite it being offending to some. Plus any soilder with THAT much decoration wouldn't be that sloopy - not saying it wouldn't happen, but there are what appear to be a service medal and ribbon for the equivilant of high-speed, low-drag performance in the service - namely, OCD on perfection of performance in service.

Verdict: Canadian - but I do appreciate that he's giving some props to those who served.