(a) It is an offense for a person to falsely impersonate or represent to another, whether by conduct, dress, verbally or in writing, that such person or a third party is or was a member of the armed forces of the United States with the intent to deceive or cause another to believe the representation when the person knows it to be false.(b) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the person making the false representation received no benefit or monetary thing or value from it.(c) This section shall not apply to wearing the dress of a member of the armed forces if done for the following purposes: (1) Instructional;(2) Law enforcement;(3) Theatrical, motion picture or entertainment;(4) Historical, ceremonial or educational; or(5) As a costume if worn in accordance with or not prohibited by regulations promulgated pursuant to law.(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit prosecution under any other applicable statute if the person derives a benefit or thing of value from the impersonation.(e) Impersonation of a member of the armed forces is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 2012, ch. 612, § 1.
Tennessee Legal Code