1st Force Recon verification

[GHEN]

I am on a contract in A stan right now with a guy who claims to be a 1st Force Recon guy. Many of his stories/plus some of his actions lead us to doubt his word. Obviously it is in our best interests to know if he is being truthful, and not stealing valor.

The items in quotes are things he related to me directly, everything else I attribute to him having said is verified by at least two other individuals.

Mike Costa is a 32 year old native of Brazil.

He was medically retired from a back injury that he claims he sustained in Iraq. We have a former SEAL who has asked questions about his dive school as they were across the street and used the same CTT in Coronado.

He does not remember his dive systems used (LAR 5 or Twin 80's).

He has several Marine Corp tattoos covering his back including his (according to him) original MOS 0341.

He says he was originally a mortarman, then was attached to a Raider company where he got his 1st taste of "the kind of things Force does". He then stated that he "wanted to be a little better than a Raider so I went to Force Recon". He never provides any details about his training except to say he attended Dive School in Coronado.

He has an Army CIB tattooed on his lower back that he says he got "when I was in Force and attached to an Army Engineer unit". He is covered in tattoos, however no dive bubble, jump or Force tattoos, he does have the aforementioned MOS, EGA, and a "Devil Dogs" tattoo.

He never provides any details about training accept that he attended Dive School in Coronado.

He claims he was medically retired from the Marine Corps last year as a Staff Sgt.

He also claims that after his injury he was attached to an Army Unit to teach combatives at Fort Hood, TX. He seems to have been attached an awful lot.

This is added just for further info...he says he is a tattoo artist and claims to have once tattooed at Miami Ink. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

GHEN

[SOTB]

I can see why you guys would think he was a poser, there are some comments that are definitely interesting.Mike CXXXX is a 32 year old native of Brazil.If he is not a poser, it might be uncool to put his complete name up.

There was a time, when even US citizenry wasn't required to be in a FR unit -- when I was in one, there was at least one Marine who wasn't a US citizen. It was also something almost immediately rectified once that FR unit began to float, and while I was there, I never saw that again.He does not remember his dive systems used (LAR 5 or Twin 80's).Personally, I think this isn't likely. He hasn't been out so long he would not remember which rigs he qual'd on, even if he didn't dive them again after leaving the school.He has several Marine Corp tattoos covering his back including his (according to him) original MOS 0341.I have one tat, it is not of anything to do with reconnaissance. My original MOS was 0341.....was attached to a Raider company where he got his 1st taste of "the kind of things Force does".Boat companies do not do anything that would give them a "taste" of what FR does, unless you consider that they are around water and shoot at people (and the last, only in the DA role).He never provides any details about his training except to say he attended Dive School in Coronado.Because of his age, that he was in Iraq, and that supposedly he started out in the grunts, this doesn't make any sense (except for one caveat), as the Corps has it's dive school (combatant swimmer course) in Panama City, FL. The caveat MIGHT be that he went to Navy SCUBA school, but even then -- is there a Navy dive school in Coronado that isn't BUDS?He has an Army CIB tattooed on his lower back that he says he got "when I was in Force and attached to an Army Engineer unit".I don't know the regs for the CIB, but reading what is on the internet, I find that this isn't likely (I'm reading that one must be infantry or SF -- meaning one must be Army). Even then, the idea that a jarhead would be enthused about having gotten a CIB over a CAR -- weird. Finally, his comment reads like a badgefinder, and while I saw them in recon units, his comment seems indicative of someone who doesn't have any -- and therefore leaps at whatever opportunity to put one on.He also claims that after his injury he was attached to an Army Unit to teach combatives at Fort Hood, TX. He seems to have been attached an awful lot.As an FR Marine, I don't see it -- to Ft Hood? No, strange. As a Marine assigned to Ft Hood seems odd enough (unless with tankers, perhaps), teaching combatives there is just too far of a leap of strangeness.

As stated before, he seems like a poser -- and there are some 1st FR guys on the board who can clearly demo that (beyond my speculation). But also as stated previously, if he is a poser (and I think he likely is), his actions have ZERO reflection on FR -- so no one needs to feel as if they are protecting the credibility or integrity of FR from this person. A poser's actions reflect only upon himself....

[Silverbullet]

The time period he is speaking of would require him to be a US citizen.

I could reconstruct his other stuff but the time period he is speaking of also prohibits him from being with "1st Force Recon" in the manner he states. I don't want to give info away for other potential posers, but the company was cadred for a bit in order to stand up MarSoc and then reconstructed with new bodies under a different HHQ's.

His age and time in service would not have allowed him to attend dive school at Coronado. It was closed then. Additionally the Corps has it's own combatant diver school which is the mandatory place to attend this type of training since the late 90's.

He would be awarded the CAR not the CIB. He was attached not part of and even then it's the service you belong to that decides this.

The tats and other stuff are not important.

[GHEN]

The tats and other stuff are not important except that he has shown a tendency to cover himself with every other emblem, therefore their absence on him is worthy of mention, I am not trying to say I think every Force guy would/should have them. Also I mention them to help identify him.

In my opinion, if someone presents themselves as a member of a particular unit, and that history is believed by others, than any actions they take can reflect on that unit in the eyes of some. Unfortunately perception is reality.

I really appreciate the assistance thus far. Thanks.

GHEN

[Silverbullet]

We know what's important or not.

If people are fooled by someone who obviously isn't what he says he is, then it reflects on them not the unit or branch of service.

Why not go and confront him? No need to wait for further info. The simple fact that Coronado dive school was closed is enough. The rest is just gravy.

[GHEN]

We know what's important or not. Respectfully what is important is subjective, not objective. You or I simply stating some is or is not important doesn't make it so to the other party.

If people are fooled by someone who obviously isn't what he says he is, then it reflects on them not the unit or branch of service. Except to the people involved, again perception is reality.

Why not go and confront him? No need to wait for further info. The simple fact that Coronado dive school was closed is enough. The rest is just gravy. We have a process in cases like this. That process begins with investigation and proceeds accordingly. If he were a social acquaintance I would have long ago called him on his stories, but this is a different situation.

Thanks again for the help.

GHEN

[SOTB]

Except to the people involved, again perception is reality....No one in FR is losing sleep tonight because someone is posing as one of them. THAT is reality.....I'm unaware of any dive school command within CA outside of BUD/S. Other than Panama City, Hawaii and Key West were the only other locations for such training (unless you went through the Army's Combatant Diver course or was an old school VA student).As SB stated, there was a time when this person's commentary would have been correct -- his dates preclude that from being true now....

[chip8541]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8kyEUrGpuM

I always thought this episode and dude was off. I think your boy is famous, if its the same dude.

I wanted to post this on the other posters thread, but was waiting for the intro, as there is only one "Marine" ive ever heard of getting a CIB anywhere, let alone in the tramp stamp location. I saw it on Miami Ink one time in bandcamp.

[Silverbullet]

Respectfully what is important is subjective, not objective. You or I simply stating some is or is not important doesn't make it so to the other party.

Except to the people involved, again perception is reality.




That isn't a subjective point. You're using a line of reasoning that doesn't apply in this case. If you knew what was important to us figuring out what showed he was FOS or not, then you wouldn't have needed to come and ask us to help out him.

The perception is reality thing is is on your shoulders, not ours. We didn't hire him or work next to him.

[egspot]

He does not remember his dive systems used (LAR 5 or Twin 80's).




He also claims that after his injury he was attached to an Army Unit to teach combatives at Fort Hood, TX. He seems to have been attached an awful lot.



GHEN


I did Pearl in 1977 and still remember all diving systems used.


As to his attachment history, unlikely ,,,,Army brass undermining Army staff by recycling an injured Marine to teach combative (Politics not withstanding) He must have some special knowledge.

[RAT]

Respectfully what is important is subjective, not objective. You or I simply stating some is or is not important doesn't make it so to the other party.

Except to the people involved, again perception is reality.

We have a process in cases like this. That process begins with investigation and proceeds accordingly. If he were a social acquaintance I would have long ago called him on his stories, but this is a different situation.

Thanks again for the help.

GHEN

From this post it sounds like this person is in a position of authority in your company.

If he was just another I.C. You should go to H/R tell them of the complaints and have them removed.

You all are digging for info on this dude.

From the other post you are working on the boarder of Paki... Anyone doing work there for those companies are vetted and verified. So unless you are working for a company that is not a tier 1 type of company, you are going to get the Custer Battles knock off as you get with TMG. Not saying they are bad guys just not what they say they are.

RO!!!

[Mortalitus]

Funny I have plenty of Ink done. Some done in Japan, around the map, etc. I personally never got a single Marine Corps tattoo until after I got out. I figured I had earned the right to wear it then. As Usual SB and Rat are spot on so no need to chime in on the guy this is an easy one.

[GHEN]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8kyEUrGpuM

I always thought this episode and dude was off. I think your boy is famous, if its the same dude.

I wanted to post this on the other posters thread, but was waiting for the intro, as there is only one "Marine" ive ever heard of getting a CIB anywhere, let alone in the tramp stamp location. I saw it on Miami Ink one time in bandcamp.

That is the guy, and again the story there is different in places. Thank you. Anyone know if there is a Marine Unit that uses "Whatever It Takes" as a motto?

Thanks,

GHEN

[Mortalitus]

That is the guy, and again the story there is different in places. Thank you. Anyone know if there is a Marine Unit that uses "Whatever It Takes" as a motto?

Thanks,

GHEN

Sure
http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/external/1stmardiv/1stmarregt/1-4/history/history_insignia.jsp

1/4 there's your answer. there's your ammo.

[SOTB]

P O S E R.

G A Y....

[RAT]

P O S E R.

G A Y....

Ditto!

Total P O S E R!!!

He is full shit in so many ways lol

RO!!!

[sarc88]

He does not remember his dive systems used (LAR 5 or Twin 80's).


The dive school in Coronado closed down in the mid 90's - I'll try to find the exact date it ceased operation. At 32, he'd have attended "dive school in Coronado" between 98-2000 at age 20-22. I'm almost certain that the SD schoolhouse shut down years before.


You should also know that the school itself taught SCUBA and 2nd Class Diver (2C), not closed circuit (LAR-V or MK-25). If he claims he learned a rebreather at that course, he's lying.

[Silverbullet]

The dive school in Coronado closed down in the mid 90's - I'll try to find the exact date it ceased operation. At 32, he'd have attended "dive school in Coronado" between 98-2000 at age 20-22. I'm almost certain that the SD schoolhouse shut down years before.


You should also know that the school itself taught SCUBA and 2nd Class Diver (2C), not closed circuit (LAR-V or MK-25). If he claims he learned a rebreather at that course, he's lying.

B,
Don't give the date away in the open. I know the time frame does not fit for him. I was running training for the company when it transitioned to MCD. The Coronado claim outed him immediately.

[sarc88]

B,
Don't give the date away in the open. I know the time frame does not fit for him. I was running training for the company when it transitioned to MCD. The Coronado claim outed him immediately.

Roger that and agreed on the claim. I'll PM the info for future ref

[512headhunter]

As a former Army infantryman- why would a Marine give a care about a CIB? I also cant imagine two Marines in the shit saying to eachother "When we get out of this lets get Army CIB tattos!" Just wouldnt happen.

[Mortalitus]

Well the guy tramp stamped it so what does that tell you. Any man that carries a decision process to tat a badge over his ass has his priorities and brains crammed 8 inches below that tattoo.
Aah 10%ers, he probably bore witness to an presentation ceremony or something for an Army unit and thought the CIB looked cool or just because it says Combat in it it will impress someone. Who knows what goes on in the minds of the male model.

[Johan]

He cried tears as he told the war story in the tattoo reality show. He must be authentic. :rolleyes:

Maybe in some alley behind a bar some US Army Soldiers will remove their Combat Infantry Badge that he has stolen with a sharp blade.

Regards,

[DrlSgt]

No real 11B, infantryman would ever "tramp stamp" the CIB!

I see that as a disrespect to those who has earned it in the past wars by 'tramp stamping" it...now I'm pissed. My CIB means more to me than any other awards I've ever earn.

Ghen, if you see him again, punch him in the balls for me......

[JDAM]

Maybe in some alley behind a bar some US Army Soldiers will remove their Combat Infantry Badge that he has stolen with a sharp blade.

Let's hope so :cool:

[sherm8404]

I googled Cpl Abad and found a memorial site.

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/abadroberto.html

17th post down. A SSG Costa posted this.

"hey whats up ....my name is michael and i was in the same platoon as sgt raynoso in najaf..wow guys time goes by fast and ill never forget that day ....."THE YARD"...SEMPER FI!..formaly lcpl costa""
SSG COSTA/ U.S ARMY of FT HOOD ,TX

[Mortalitus]

Did some digging myself Mike Costa never taught Combatives AT Ft.Hood. In Fact he was Hired to teach BJJ at a MMA school near Ft. Hood where he had claimed to be a an Combatives instructor at Ft. Hood and get this.....

He claimed that Costa was not his name. That Gracie was. Yep the Turd actually claimed that he was a Gracie family member in order to gain creedence to become an Instructor. Also he lied about Military rank and apparently that he had a purple belt.

Well here is a thread dated from 2008 from the Ft. hood Fighthouse forums a MMA school near Ft. Hood where they had discussed their own process of confronting him and ousting him from the local training community.
http://www.txmma.com/forum/texas-schools-questions-feedback/ft-hood-fighthouse/page-2/

the best point from this thread if you don't wanna read it all.

gdennis, i finally heard from Ft. Benning Mike is not in the database.

Looks to me that he got into MMA and dug in near Ft. Hood where there are a bunch of schools. Either never joined the Army or lied to these people about his rank and that he was a Black belt Army Combatives guy and got a job teaching MMA. Was pretty quickly spotted by people as a poser and moved away.

The reason I think he was probably not Army to begin with is if he was Army and was donning belts and claiming rank. He would have gotten into serious shit for doing so. There are no mentions of it in anything I can find to the fact. So I call his Army service Bullshit.

[Mortalitus]

Well maybe I am wrong on the Army part but heres an article that disspells his "I taught combatives at Ft. Hood" bullshit.
However he still lied about his rank, and No firefighter in the Army if i recall correctly Quals for the CIB.
Maybe I should pop over to that other forum and show them that Miami Ink video.

http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=19525

Still claims to be a gracie.

[Silverbullet]

The issue of him claiming to be a Recon Marine or serving in 1st Force was proven to be a lie, very easily, and is a dead issue to socnet.

Thanks