Posted on 07/29/2004 3:04:08 PM PDT by hemogoblin
The coin check is a pretty weak authentication. For one, you are supposed to have also served in the unit. It isn't like anyone and everyone can go around asking for a coin check. Secondarily, I know a lot of people who don't carry their coins around with them. Them not having it is far from conclusive. For that matter, so is them having it...many units hand out coins as a form of thank you to other people. I've seen entire collections for sale.
Had several boot camps. Great Mistakes aka Great Lakes is the only one that remains open.
That's the ticket. Not bragging but it takes but a few minutes, usually. And that is without trying. Thing just don't ring true. Once I realize they are lying, I just back off. If they are lying about military service they should not be cornered.
You might try the book How to Locate Anyone Who Is or Has Been in the Military, by Richard S. Johnson
Won't necessarily work, Laz. I served, but didn't retire. I separated.
The USAF took mine - and rightfully so. However, I can still prove my service with my DD214.
Call in the troops - they'll follow him around and catch him in the act. That's what they do.
Whoops. Sorry Laz. Just saw your response. If they lose it, they'd better hustle and get another one. A rather painful process as I'm to understand.
It's too bad that the services switched over to using Social Security numbers at some point in time. Prior to that, anyone could just ask for their service number. Even the slightest hesitation is the dead giveaway of a phony.
I've been out since 1975 and can still rattle mine off instantly. As much as it gets drummed into your head while you're in, I'm convinced that it's stuck there for life.
Proof positive that there is no justice in the universe..
Proof positive that there is no justice in the universe..
Ah, yes -- the memories. December 22, 1966...Welcome to Great Lakes. Merry Christmas, boot!
AF form 800 Request and Authorization for Permanent Change of Station - Military (to your last military base where you become seperated)
DD form 256: Honorable Discharge certificate
Personnel records history - I kept mine:):)
Ask them to give you their Serial. Any veteran will be able to rattle it off in about 3 seconds. Don't know why but its stuck in my head forever.
Did they close camp Mickey mouse too?
I still have my I.D. card because I took terminal leave when I seperated. So I was technically on AD during that time. So I kept it!
December 1998
Get another (known valid) vet, preferably of the same service, to talk to him for about five minutes.
I have a friend who I've known on the net for years, but only just met last year- I was passing through town and stayed at his place for a few days. He took me to meet another former Marine (with the same MOS as I) that he knew in town. I didn't but just occur to me that my bona fides were being checked, it seemed like an odd detour at the time.
Fine with me- I passed with flying colors. The 'bona fide checker' knew my old Senior Drill Instructor. LOL! Small world, er Corps.
Not all units have challenge coins commissioned and the ones that do exist can be bought on Ebay or through mail order houses by anybody with the money.
A buddy of mine has several
He has them all framed & is most proud of the personal coin he was awarded by his former Command Sergeant Major
That doesn't work any more. Some time back (unsure when, but I believe later than 1975), the services switched over to using Social Security numbers.
I went in March 1971 (US Army - RA) and never had anything but my SS#.
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