One of my best friends is a three time purple heart winner. He was airborne, and a Ranger, during war time.
However, he would look at you, and be kind, at your description of Lt. Col. Allen West being a Marine. But, he would laff at you behind your back.
IOW, know your military affiliations before you post.
I tend to forgive people who aren’t in the trade, when they make a mistake but intend it as a complement.
For example, the Navy, Marines, and Air Force are technically not military organizations. But when someone refers to them as such, I cut them slack.