I dunno, Lurch did do this with his uniform:
Posted on 07/21/2006 11:23:18 AM PDT by americaprd
PA GOP: SESTAK'S GOT NO R-E-S-P-E-C-T FOR UNIFORM
Violates Military Uniform Code by wearing uniform while campaigning,
Wears officer's uniform that does not match rank at which he retired
HARRISBURG - Republican State Committee Executive Director Scott Migli today questioned Joe Sestak, Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, for his repeated violations of federal law and U.S. Navy regulations as it relates to appropriate conduct for the wearing of military uniforms. Those violations include wearing his uniform while engaged in campaign activities and wearing a uniform that displays a rank above what the grade at which he retired from service.
"Joe Sestak's improper use of the military uniform for partisan campaign activities demonstrates a lack of respect for the uniform," said Migli. "You would never catch a veteran like Senator John McCain, or even Senator John Kerry for that matter, wearing their military uniform while on the campaign trail or inflating the rank at which they retired. The fact that Joe Sestak would stoop this low shows how desperate he is for attention."
Title 10, Subtitle A, Part 2 Chapter 45 Section 772 specifically states that retired military officers are only permitted to "bear the title and wear the uniform of his retired grade." Although he retired at the grade of a two star admiral, candidate Sestak has been photographed in the district wearing the uniform of a three star admiral, a clear violation of federal law. (Photograph available upon request).
Sestak, after declaring his candidacy has also worn his Navy uniform to various campaign events, including a parade in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania that he took part in and distributed campaign materials at, in support of his candidacy. Chapter 6, Section 10, Article 61002 of the United States Navy Uniform Regulations specifically states that "Retired personnel are prohibited from wearing the uniform in connection with personal enterprises, business activities, or while attending or participating in any demonstration, assembly or activity for the purpose of furthering personal or partisan views on political, social, economic, or religious issues."
"The only reason Joe Sestak took part in that parade is because he is an announced candidate and he was there in an attempt to attract votes," said Migli. "There is no excuse for that type of behavior. Everyone who has ever served in the military knows that there are very specific rules related to conduct that is appropriate in a military uniform. You wear the uniform of the rank at which you retired. You don't smoke or drink while in public in uniform. And you don't campaign while in uniform. Joe Sestak has demonstrated a complete lack of respect for these rules and the uniform itself."
It wouldn't be unusual to get a bump in rank at retirement.
I dunno, Lurch did do this with his uniform:
But did he serve in Vietnam?
As it turned out, those decorations were earned and the scummy accuser turned out to be talking out of his posterior - as was the scummy accusers wont.
If it's a federal offense, why isn't he arrested?
He was the top sailor, Chief of Naval Operations Mike Boorda, c. 1996.
I actually worked indirectly for Joe Sestak last year. What an imbecilic move to wear his uniform on the campaign trail! As far as wearing an improper rank, I don't think he'd be that stupid.
I don't know about the smoking/drinking thing. You don't do it while walking down a public street, but that's about the only restriction of which I am aware.
Yes, it's a big deal that someone wears a rank to which they are not entitled.
However, if the Admiral served as a 3 star while on AD, it may be an honest mistake, and nitpicking may look petty. If he never wore 3 stars legally then it would be an issue for me. If he had 3 and retired with 2 I would also like to know the circumstances under which that happened - there are many innocent explanations, and just as many not-so-innocent ones.
PING
What is it with your PA veterans/politicians? Straighten 'em out!!
Let me guess.He retired a Seaman Recruit and now wears a Bird.
And this is the guy who wants to replace Curt Weldon ...
Hahahahah
Lurch, eh?
Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrggghhhhhhhhhh.... urrrrrrrrghhhhhh.
FYI Ping
It was Admiral Mike Boorda, CNO..........
I can't imagine any military member THAT senior and in a public setting trying to fake a rank.
He didn't spend the appropriate time in grade to retire w/ 3-stars after CNO "reassigned" him (translation - gave him the Fredo Corleone kiss)
Since when? Most people retire these days when they fail to gain a promotion. Why on earth would the military send someone home because they failed to select for the next rank, but then give them the promotion as a 'lovely parting gift'?
Flag officers promotions must be approved by the Senate, as with all officers, but they are scrutinized much more closely. Additionally, flag officers must have a job that warrants the rank they wear and for which they get paid. There are only so many 3 & 4 star billets out there.
I have never heard of a flag officer from any service being given an extra star on the way out the door, and I would be highly suspicious of anyone who claimed they were given such a retirement award.
The gap between two-star admirals and three-star admirals is the three-star admirals have a better knowledge of what to kiss and when.
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