Is it an offence in Britain to impersonate a British Military officer?

Question

If someone you know is claiming to be a retired military officer are they committing an offence?

Is it only impersonating an officer if they dress up in a uniform and go to events etc??

What about if they just tell simple stories (not claiming to be this great hero or whatever, but just that they were there with a certain unit etc. and they were the officer in charge etc..)

If they just claim they have been an officer in the British armed forces and tell a few close friends who believe them but never use the deception to gain anything or to better their position etc. Are they still committing an offence? If so, how serious and how do you (or should you) report them? Would a quiet word telling them I know the truth be better seeing as they haven't done anything more than claimed to have served and been to certain places etc.?? But are not wearing the uniform or pretending to be a specfic person? If the deed is purely for an ego trip and not with any malicious intent?

Thank you for that mature comment conranger1. I was after a constructive answer & not your opinion, (which is quite insulting) but thanks anyway.

Meanwhile, back in the adult world ... I am NOT trying to find out "what I can get away with", and I just want to find out if it is an offence at all.

I already know that it isn't a SERIOUS offence because in Britain serious offences are known as "serious arrestable offences" and include Rape, Murder, Assault, Theft, Treason.

If you use the scheme to defraud someone then it's obtaining goods/services/money/entry by deception.

I want to know if just claiming to be an ex officer is an offence under BRITISH law.

A friend claims he was an officer.

He's never been in trouble, is (otherwise) honest, kind, reliable & a decent family man, he doesn't gain anything by these claims. He is a good & popular man & I only want to approach him if he could get into trouble. If not then let him have his fantasy.

Hope that clears things up.

Answer 1

No.. However it is an offence to impersonate an official with intent to decive such as wearing a uniform..

I think that the person that you speak of is not commiting an offence However it would be nice of you to let him know that you know he is full of Bull****!

Answer 2

Its not an offence in itself, just a bit sad.

It only becomes an offence if that person uses the deception to defraud someone or to claim something to which they are not entitled.

Answer 3

Imprisonment is likely if you impersonate an officer on operations..
During day-to-day living i think it come with a charged punishment..
i dont think its an offense to claim you were once an officer however.
i know the death penalty many years ago was used though.

Answer 4

Unless telling stories is an offence, probably not.

If it was I think Wilbur Smith would be in the Sh!t.

Answer 5

As long as no malice of forethought is intended it should be ok but when the truth comes out you will look a bit silly

Answer 6

Sounds like you are looking for information,

to see what you could get away with by doing this!!!

It is a serious offense!

Answer 7

If you are planning to defraud someone, then , yes it is an offence.

Answer 8

if you for other illeagal activities then yes
but if its just for a party or for some 'legitimate' social reson then no

e.g some leisure centre offer discounts for milatry officials *cough* *cough*

Answer 9

in all action 'mens rea' criminal intention has to be present . Otherewise all actor will be behind bars.

Answer 10

depends how you do it - most likely Yes