Can I be sent to jail for wearing a military uniform and hosting charity events even though I never served?

I bought this army uniform at a surplus store, with medals from vietnam to Iraq war. I just enjoy giving speaches and raising money. The perks are not that bad either, discounts on hotels and stores.

Can I be sent to jail for wearing a military uniform and hosting charity events even though I never served?
Legality aside, you may run the risk of injury at the hands oif a veteran
Reply:Apparently so. You are representing something that you are in no way entitled to unless you have enlisted into one of the branches of the military.





Federal laws concerning the wear of the United States Military uniforms by people not on active duty are published in the United States Code (USC). Specifically, 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part II, Chapter 45, Sections 771 and 772.





Section 771 states:





Except as otherwise provided by law, no person except a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be, may wear -





(1) the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform, of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps; or





(2) a uniform any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps





Section 772 lists some exceptions:





(a) A member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard may wear the uniform prescribed for the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, as the case may be.





In accordance with chapter 45, section 771, title 10, United States Code (10 USC 771) of military regulations, no person except a member of the U.S. military may wear the uniform, or a distinctive part of the uniform unless otherwise authorized by law. Additionally, no person except a member of the military may wear a uniform, any part of which is similar to a distinctive part of the uniform. This includes the distinctive uniforms and uniform items listed in paragraph 1–12 of this regulation. Paragraph 1–12 goes on to define "Distinctive uniforms and uniform items:" The bottom line is that you should stay away from "distinctive" items such as insignia, badges, and tabs
Reply:Yes you can, The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 gives federal jurisdiction and can be a harsh sentence for pretending to be a veteran of military serivce.
Reply:If you are claiming/letting them assume you served to collect money for your pocket (the perks) and not going to a costume ball, I would hope so. Don't know your age, but someone will spot the medals and out you I hope.





Never served, and have mixed feelings about how the military is used, but not about the guys who do it. Shouldn't take away what is rightful theirs to claim.





Basically, you're saying you've got the chutzpah to stick your head in a liquor store next time there is an armed hold up and scream "Look! Over Here!" And then hope the guy with gun misses.





If it isn't illegal, it still feels like fraud.





edit: other posters have found the law. To heck with law, where's your judgment or conscious?
Reply:What giostorm said. You can go to jail for this. Now if you have served, then it's a different story.
Reply:Yes.
Reply:the uniforms themselves are legal to wear however they cannot have the branch name or rank or medals or insignia of any kind on them at the time of wearing also even if your not wearing any uniform and are in civilian clothes it is illegal to assume the identity of any federal agent/employee/officer with or without the intent to achieve gains or benefits if you get caught it is a felony on several different counts.