Military Medals & Uniforms Terrorists Props?

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Josey

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I have noticed something unusual. I have a retired USAF Captain who runs a antiques booth in a local mall. He and I note "resident aliens" shall we say buying US military surplus. Medals, PUCs being popular, uniform items and class A items being most desired. No price haggling and cash paid. Our radar senses that terrorists or maybe posers are putting together US uniforms. I can't quite see a "resident alien" being a collector of US mil-surp. What COULD they do with the uniforms and personal kit? Current issue is what they show the most interest in. I hope they are just trying to be a bar commando, still..................:confused:
 
I don't really see terrorists combing the malls and flea markets looking for surplus military medals and uniforms. Virtually all uniforms, medals and insignia are available online or via catalog.
 
Josey, ever been to U.S. Cav in Radcliffe, Kentucky?:D You can buy all kinds of decoration, ribbons and medals over the counter. Heck, the guns shows in Indy always have 3 or 4 tables of nothing but militree decorations and what not.

Of course, you can buy the same stuff in the open markets of the tribal areas of Pakistan. I am told the quality over there may vary but if you get a good copy, it is hard to tell in passing by a guard or police officer.
 
I haven't seen US decorations/ribbons/medals on-line or in catalogues.
Click to expand...
Wanna buy the new "Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal" for "the deployment abroad for 30 days in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after 11 Setember 2001"?
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Or any other military insignia you desiire?

Medals of America
 
THAT was interesting! The point is the cash, no names and purchases of ribbons, bars and class A kit. It could be a new way to get illegals through the border checks.
 
What if? A terrorist is say a former Iraqi insurgent. He has lost a leg and is on crutches. You lad him up with a vestbomb, stick a uniform on him and put him on a plane. Who would check out a wounded, decorated veteran?
 
Josey,
TSA is more likely to hassle a person who appears to be a decorated vet then they are a 6'5" guy with a beard, loose fitting pants, a woodland M65 jacket and AK chest pouches. :uhoh:

They wouldn't let General Joe Foss on a plane with his MOH a couple years ago.

Jeff
 
Well, to be fair, the Congressional Medal of Honor does resemble a throwing star.

I'd guess that the foreign nationals are looking for souvenirs. There are less suspicious ways of obtaining uniforms, if impersonation is the goal.
Vigilance is important, but don't go too far.
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Don't worry. I went on base with out of state pickup with topper full of boxes/covered with black plastic and paper permit/dirty cloths and was waved thru. My wife in UNIFORM driving a car with proper stickers was pulled aside for checking. I about had accident laughing so hard. (I told her she would get stopped) :)
 
Yeah, that's the ticket-go through a border checkpoint in a military uniform with decorations. Hope you're on a flight from somewhere with a US military base close at hand so the border folk are used to seeing such. Hope you don't look Middle Eastern, too.

"Resident alien"? How do you know they are aliens whether resident or not? Many are citizens. Did you demand their papers, Herr Josey?
 
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