How to Address a Suspicious Claim of a Military Rank | Detecting Make-Believe Soldiers and Phantom Promotions

Dealing with a situation where you suspect your friend's partner is a make-believe soldier can be challenging. The individual has claimed an elusive rank, such as E-13, which doesn't exist in the military. This article provides detailed guidance on how to approach the situation, whether it's a misrepresentation or a misunderstanding.

Understanding the E-13 Rank and Its Non-Existence

The subject of an E-13 rank comes up frequently in discussions about military rank deception. The ranking system for enlisted soldiers is more straightforward than one might think, but it often leads to confusion when someone misrepresents their status. The official websites, such as the Army’s enlisted ranks chart, clearly illustrate the 13 enlisted ranks, with E-13 being the highest non-judicial rank. The current Senior Major of the Army, the 13th rank, is a unique case because only one person holds this title. Therefore, if someone claims to be promoted to E-13, it's highly improbable that their statement is true.

Strategies to Help Your Friend

The best way to address this situation without causing permanent rifts in the friendship is to present factual evidence and encourage your friend to investigate the claims independently.

Method 1: Show and Ask

The first strategy is to use a chart or a list of military ranks. You could print out an official enlisted ranks chart from the military website and ask your friend to find the E-13 rank. This can be a non-confrontational approach to stimulate curiosity. Upon seeing the chart, your friend might initially try to make excuses, such as claiming that the military has changed the ranking system or that the website is outdated. However, these excuses can often be debunked with a little research, which you can help them do if they are willing to cooperate.

Method 2: Inviting a Veteran

Another way to uncover the truth is to invite a military veteran to lunch or dinner. This approach can be more direct, as the veteran is likely to recognize the fallacy in the claim. During the conversation, the soldier can share their knowledge about the ranked system, which might lead to the discovery of the deceit. This method can be particularly effective if the person is choosy about the company they keep and prefers discussing military matters with peers.

Real Possibilities and Misunderstandings

It's important to consider that the make-believe soldier might actually work for a government agency without being part of the traditional military structure. For instance, some government employees can achieve high ranks such as GS-13, which is a real position in the government hiring system. For example, a scientist or analyst working for the Department of Defense or a similar agency might be promoted to a GS-13, which is equivalent to the highest enlisted soldier rank. The discrepancy might be due to a miscommunication rather than a deliberate deception.

Additional Tips for Your Friend

Here are some additional tips to help your friend verify the claims:

Reviewing Red Flags

Encourage your friend to review common red flags of a phony military status, such as:

Constant requests for financial support or money Unrealistic or exaggerated stories Avoidance of detailed military information Sketchy or lackluster background details Unrealistic orders or promotions

These red flags can help your friend identify the inconsistencies in the claimed military status.

Conducting an Image Search

Despite its limitations, conducting an image search can be helpful. If the make-believe soldier provided pictures that seem similar to military social media profiles, you can search for them. If the real person has an identical profile, your friend might be able to find a clue that leads to the truth. While this method is not always reliable, any information found can provide important context.

Conclusion and Final Advice

Addressing the suspicion of a make-believe soldier requires patience and a gentle approach. It's crucial to present the information clearly and encourage your friend to investigate independently. Keep providing evidence and continue to support your friend through the process. Remind them that it's normal to experience feelings of defensiveness or embarrassment, and that the goal is to find the truth together. Wishing you good luck and the strength to persevere through the process.

Happy holidays!