How often does this happen?

#1 01-07-05, 16:50

Hi,

I read this story in the Winnipeg Sun this morning, and I wondered how often people are caught and charged for wearing uniforms under false pretences. This is a no-no, even if someone wears a relatives uniform and medals for "sentimental" reasons, such as Remembrance days and such?

Karmen

Quote:

Fri, July 1, 2005

Neither an officer nor a gentleman?

By Staff

A Manitoba man has been accused by the military of impersonating an officer at functions around the province.

Collin James McRitchie, 46, faces one count of fraud under $5,000, six counts of unauthorized use of a military uniform, and one count of misuse of military decorations, Lieut. Jennifer Flaubert, 17 Wing's public affairs officer, said Wednesday.

It's alleged McRitchie has on several occasions shown up at military functions and parades -- most of them cadet events -- while wearing a uniform and medals that don't belong to him, Flaubert said.

McRitchie is to appear in court on July 7.

Keith Webb · #2 01-07-05, 23:31

Funny your timing here, Miss Frying-pan.

Only yesterday I was operating in a sort of uniform whilst filming some "traffic safety officers" in some really foul weather. At least I was authorised to wear it if only temporarily...

cmperry4 · #3 02-07-05, 04:39

FYI, A paragraph was cut from the story which said that it was not known if the guy had ever served with any branch of the forces.

I believe regulations say that historic uniforms are OK, but that current-issue kit can only be worn by serving members - and medals and rank should never be worn unless you actually earned or held them.

Seems like the guy was up to no good - especially since he was noted as showing up chiefly at cadet events ... hmmmmm

One the brighter side, there were plenty of folks wearing historic uniforms at Assiniboine Park today, with no problems reported.

One person I know once did get some hassle from a current serving member of a regiment for wearing historic uniform of that regiment - but the guy doing the hassling was drunk, and probably a jerk when he was sober, too.