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I just read about a man who claimed for years to be a Navy SEAL and then committed suicide when he was exposed. He apparently shot himself (suicide) but the authorities believe he staged it to look like a murder. It was in the news several years back and on a TV show where someone named Don Shipley exposes fake SEALS. I dated this man years ago and was shocked when I googled his name, out of pure curiosity about what he's doing now and instead found out he is deceased. And then I found out why.
I'm not familiar with that one. But I shudder every time a certain U.S. senator speaks disparagingly about the opposition when he once falsely claimed Viet Nam veteran status during his campaign.
It's usually pretty easy to figure out if they're falsifying their service history.
Units like SEALS have an ethos that shuns publicity and self aggrandizement. So if someone claims to be a SEAL (or other similar elite unit) - and brags about their feats - be suspicious. SEALs generally don't want to call attention to themselves IMO.
It's usually pretty easy to figure out if they're falsifying their service history.
Units like SEALS have an ethos that shuns publicity and self aggrandizement. So if someone claims to be a SEAL (or other similar elite unit) - and brags about their feats - be suspicious. SEALs generally don't want to call attention to themselves IMO.
You mean besides the SEAL who wrote a book about the Bin Laden raid? Or the countless other books written by former SEALS?
It's usually pretty easy to figure out if they're falsifying their service history.
Units like SEALS have an ethos that shuns publicity and self aggrandizement. So if someone claims to be a SEAL (or other similar elite unit) - and brags about their feats - be suspicious. SEALs generally don't want to call attention to themselves IMO.
Disagree on that one. I know several former Rangers, Seals, Green berets etc. The majority of them will present said history at the drop of a hat. Rarely will they talk about actual missions or or things they did in the service unless you're close to them, but most have no problem presenting the fact that they were special forces when asked about there military service or what they've done for a living. I don't know if it is really considered bragging, but from my experience most of these types have no problem calling attention to themselves in the right scenario like throwing a warning out there when needed.
I know an ex navy diver who allows himself to be represented as a SEAL. He knows I know better and doesn't push it around me. I served 9 years active so I speak "navy" well enough to read between the lines.
Over the years I have met a great many people who I know are fake Vietnam veterans.
I know an ex navy diver who allows himself to be represented as a SEAL. He knows I know better and doesn't push it around me. I served 9 years active so I speak "navy" well enough to read between the lines.
Over the years I have met a great many people who I know are fake Vietnam veterans.
Found out recently that my uncle is faking being a Vietnam vet. He came to town for my dad's funeral, and my uncle's wife mentioned my uncle's service. My mom was confused, as she'd known my uncle since he was about 9 years old (he was much younger than my dad) and knew for a fact he'd never served. My uncle's wife insisted that it was true, as she'd seen the medals he'd earned, and the discharge letters.
When she told me, I remembered that my uncle posted often on FB about being a member of his local VFW (he lives in a different state, and I only see his FB posts). When I saw that, I was confused, since I thought you had to have served in order to join. I just figured I was mistaken.
We've always considered this uncle a bit of a nutjob, and knew he was prone to telling tall tales. This was beyond just a white lie. I've lost was little respect I had for him, and find his behavior appalling.
I've hauled a lot of SEALs over the years in our C-130s and I've never had one ever talk about any mission they were ever on. I've even taken them to far-flung parts of the world and we knew nothing about their mission. If they won't talk to their fellow servicemen about what they do, they sure as heck aren't going to be bragging about their exploits to civilians they've never met before. So if you ever hear someone bragging about being a SEAL, chances are almost 100 percent that they're not a real SEAL.
I've hauled a lot of SEALs over the years in our C-130s and I've never had one ever talk about any mission they were ever on. I've even taken them to far-flung parts of the world and we knew nothing about their mission. If they won't talk to their fellow servicemen about what they do, they sure as heck aren't going to be bragging about their exploits to civilians they've never met before. So if you ever hear someone bragging about being a SEAL, chances are almost 100 percent that they're not a real SEAL.
But then again we are looking at two different groups of men. Those still being deployed versus veterans who may or may not have been on real or fictional missions which might have been declassified years ago. While the SEAL/Special Forces/Ranger may not "talk" about their status a real special operator has a uniform which speaks for him. It might be an unit or branch insignia, shoulder tabs, or a special colored beret to begin with I guess if he was a US Marine would be the only service where you could not just glance at him in uniform and not know.
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