Posted on Jun 5, 2014
A "Veteran" after dropping out of boot camp? Where do you draw the line?
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I feel that a woman I know (I will leave it at that for anonymity's sake) is claiming something and taking credit for something that she didn't earn. Personally, I am an honorably discharged disabled veteran, so I feel I have a legitimate gripe here. Anyway, this woman joined the Army a decade or so ago, and quit 2 weeks into boot camp because she couldn't hack it. She claims it was due to a sprained ankle. I know many soldiers that completed boot camp after healing up from a sprained ankle. Anyway, every time Veteran's Day, Memorial Day etc... rolls around she gladly accepts accolade's in person and all over social media and acts like she deserves the title veteran. I just can't get that taste out of my mouth that this creates. At what point can someone claim that title? I figured at the very minimum graduating basic training... any thoughts?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 119
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I have struggled with this myself as I know someone who drooped out of boot-camp and calls themselves a veteran even filed for and is now receiving benefits years latter and being seen at the VA. I researched this on the VA site and because of there rules the person is technically considered a veteran. I don't agree with there rules to me if you can stay and finish boot-camp but chose to get out you are not a veteran and do not deserve the right to be called one.
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Dude I hurt my ankle multiple times. Once I was doing pre-deployment training I hurt it extremely bad doing combatives (took 7-9 months to heal). I ended up going through the rest of training on a sprained ankle including in the field exercises. I never took so many friggin Ibuprofen... or felt so miserable. So to drop out cause of that is weak af.
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While not looking for any glory or brownie points here...I got hurt while at the range(leg injury) in Basic and was told to walk back with the company and THEN go to sick call which resulted in an ankle-to-hip cast. I still remember my Company Commander's last words to me. "Too bad you screwed up, O'Brien!" Fear of being recycled was with me until I accomplished Basic to somebody's liking. With a few adjustments, I finished Basic in a Profile Platoon and me and my cast went on to AIT together. The cast and I parted company after a month-plus of togetherness and I went on with my Army life. After Basic = A veteran.
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We were always under the threat of being Recycled. It was driven into our heads so many times and nobody wanted to do basic again at Fort Leonard Wood. I learned years later it was considered one of the worst places for BCT. I was there in 1978 and didn't think it was so bad. Other guys who were stronger than me were looking for ways to get kicked out. One went AWOL and a couple of others tried committing suicide. I thought to myself if I can make it what's wrong with them. And this was after the first two weeks when we're supposed to be past the adjustment period.
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After 2 years in you'll receive a letter from your military branch stating you are eligible to veteran benefits, and can be called a "Veteran". Even if you graduate boot camp you cannot consider yourself a veteran.
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After reading all this I can now breath and release a heavy burden! I was one of those that failed to make it thru basic! I've carried the guilt till this day. Veterans day is a constant reminder of my failure. However I've would never dawn the honored Marine Corps uniforms or apparel knowing what it takes to earn it. I find it hard to get some folks to realize this fact when they try to tell me "Oh but at least you tried!". Good meaning folk but it tells me they have no clue.
I believe no self respecting person that has tried and failed other than injury would ever claim the title of Marine, or Soldier, but we do support those that did make the cut! To all of you I Thank you for your service with all my heart and soul!
I believe no self respecting person that has tried and failed other than injury would ever claim the title of Marine, or Soldier, but we do support those that did make the cut! To all of you I Thank you for your service with all my heart and soul!
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SSgt Kevin Main
I almost forced myself to leave basic training because I found it so stressful... I ended up telling myself to suck it up and I basically begged to get sent back to training. Well my wish was granted and I ended up serving the next 7 years. I didn't want to leave a failure.
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I'd ask how much disability she is drawing? If disabled, she'd be medically discharged and able to draw something.
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It usually depends if this so-called injury was related to basic training. If it was a pre-existing condition she would get nothing. Back in 1978 when I was in basic training they usually checked up on whatever we put on our applications which included medical records. I witnessed a couple of guys were sent home because they lied. I don't believe this woman had anything wrong with her and was just goldbricking to get out of training.
I don't consider her a veteran because she never got out of basic training. She was either chaptered out or she's full of it. She never served on active duty outside of training and she didn't even finish active duty for that. Her time doesn't count. She's a wannabe civilian.
I don't consider her a veteran because she never got out of basic training. She was either chaptered out or she's full of it. She never served on active duty outside of training and she didn't even finish active duty for that. Her time doesn't count. She's a wannabe civilian.
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Looking to find out if my brother in law completed Marine boot camp. He claims he did but has nothing to show or prove he did or didnt. Every time the subject comes up and he gets upset and changes the subject. I know there is a AL Mar list id like to know if there is a way to find out if he made it or not. How would I go about finding out for sure.
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I know somebody like that too. Every time I drop a hint about their time in the military they change the subject. I wish there was a way to find out in case this person isn't lying, but from what I have read there is no way unless you know somebody on the inside. You can't get their DD214 if they have one unless you have that person's permission.
I'm more curious about some friends of mine who were thrown out for misconduct. I've been wanting to get a hold of them for years. I found one of them on Facebook, but I'm hesitant to bring up the subject. Since I'm in contact with my sergeant at that time I'm going to ask him what was the outcome and should I contact this guy. I have some photos I wanted to send him, but I get the feeling he isn't acknowledging that time in his life because his page doesn't even mention the military and there are a few other tell-tale clues.
I'm more curious about some friends of mine who were thrown out for misconduct. I've been wanting to get a hold of them for years. I found one of them on Facebook, but I'm hesitant to bring up the subject. Since I'm in contact with my sergeant at that time I'm going to ask him what was the outcome and should I contact this guy. I have some photos I wanted to send him, but I get the feeling he isn't acknowledging that time in his life because his page doesn't even mention the military and there are a few other tell-tale clues.
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Looking to find out if my brother in law completed Marine boot camp. He claims he did but has nothing to show or prove he did or didnt. Every time the subject comes up and he gets upset and changes the subject. I know there is a AL Mar list id like to know if there is a way to find out if he made it or not. How would I go about finding out for sure.
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I am not familiar with Marine Laws but know someone that is representing themselves as a 10 year Marine when he never even made it through boot camp. Not only in public but on job applications. Someone recently told me that there is a name for that and that you cannot represent yourself as a Marine that has served 10 years when you were discharged from boot camp. Can someone respond please. Thank you
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Lisa Tozzi
I know someone that is representing themselves as a Marine that fought in Desert storm special opps too! That was discharged before even finishing boot camp. My Father fought in the Korean war and I wanted to know how you can just go out and buy some Camo clothing and represent yourself as having served our country. I have so much respect for our soldiers and veterans and what my Dad did that I have a problem with this person that has clearly never served but is representing themselves as being a 10 year veteran. Please respond.
Thank you
Thank you
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Cpl Raul DeMoura
Ask this "person" to show you his DD-214. ( Department of Defense, form # 214) EVERYONE, who has ever served, regardless of branch of service, has a "DD-214".
It's the OFFICIAL separation paper work, or E.A.S., in the Marine Corps. (End of Active Service) This document clearly shows EVERYTHING this "person" has done, time service began, (boot camp) until the E.A.S. It also shows what schools they went to, what their M.O.S. was (Military Occupational Speciality) , all Rank earned, promotion dates, ...... YADA, YADA, YADA!!! It shows EVERYTHING. No self respecting Veteran will ever loose this ! Ever! I hope this helps!
It's the OFFICIAL separation paper work, or E.A.S., in the Marine Corps. (End of Active Service) This document clearly shows EVERYTHING this "person" has done, time service began, (boot camp) until the E.A.S. It also shows what schools they went to, what their M.O.S. was (Military Occupational Speciality) , all Rank earned, promotion dates, ...... YADA, YADA, YADA!!! It shows EVERYTHING. No self respecting Veteran will ever loose this ! Ever! I hope this helps!
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Cpl Raul DeMoura - The old DD214's don't show as much as the new ones do. Mine shows very little as far as training, schools, and promotion dates. That is on another form I had to get from the NPRC who holds all of our old records. It's difficult getting all the records from them. As for the new DD214's, I have only seen samples online for them. Also many of the MOS's and Re-enlistment codes from 30-40 years ago have changed.
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Cpl Raul DeMoura
Lisa Tozzi;
I think what you are referring to is called “Stolen Valor”. One may think this is a wartime term, to mean, “representing one self as a war hero”, or something to that effect, HOWEVER... during the Obama Administration, this STOLEN VALOR has been made into a FELONIOUS ACT! So, whoever is MISREPRESENTING themselves as a veteran, is in fact committing a FELONY! They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, as this is a “slap in the face” to EVERY Veteran who HAS Graduated Recruit training (Boot camp), AND has served their country faithfully. Myself included! As well as my 2 brothers, my Father, a Korean War veteran/2 tours of duty there, and a Vietnam War Veteran/2 tours of duty, my GRANDFATHER, and so on... I would call them out on this, and/or, bring this to the attention of your local authorities.
Corporal Raul E. DeMoura
USMC 6113
24 Jan 83-25Jan87
I think what you are referring to is called “Stolen Valor”. One may think this is a wartime term, to mean, “representing one self as a war hero”, or something to that effect, HOWEVER... during the Obama Administration, this STOLEN VALOR has been made into a FELONIOUS ACT! So, whoever is MISREPRESENTING themselves as a veteran, is in fact committing a FELONY! They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, as this is a “slap in the face” to EVERY Veteran who HAS Graduated Recruit training (Boot camp), AND has served their country faithfully. Myself included! As well as my 2 brothers, my Father, a Korean War veteran/2 tours of duty there, and a Vietnam War Veteran/2 tours of duty, my GRANDFATHER, and so on... I would call them out on this, and/or, bring this to the attention of your local authorities.
Corporal Raul E. DeMoura
USMC 6113
24 Jan 83-25Jan87
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I wanted to post a response in favor of this woman's definition, but not her behavior.
There is no federal law that defines what is a veteran or is not a veteran. Typically, a law is passed giving benefits, and for the purpose of receiving those benefits, some veterans are eligible and others are not. And we also live in a federalist system, and the states have varying definitions. For example, in Massachusetts you are a veteran if you served 180 days, and in Texas, if you served 180 days (excluding training).
Of course, some benefits are reserved for those who died in combat, others for serving in combat, others for those who served a certain length of time, etc.
TN has all those categories, and also includes some laws that just say you are a veteran if you served any time and were honorably discharged. And btw, even the Federal government has a cold war certificate program where any length of time (during the cold war) will get you that certificate.
I think it is good that anyone who served in peacetime is generally more respectful of those who served in war time.
I, personally, didn't serve a long time, and I'm respectful of anyone who served in combat, or anyone that served a long time.
I don't want anything, I don't celebrate Veterans day and I don't talk about my service. However, if I apply to a job and if they asked if I served, I have to say I did. In today's world if you have anything wrong on your resume it's considered fraud. Like it or not, I have to occasionally claim I'm a veteran, depending upon the scenario, and you know what, I'm not a lawyer, I just have to do the best I can.
I'm offended by veteran's who don't like me telling the truth, to be honest. I'm obligated to tell the truth, I hide it when I can - but if pressed, I am a veteran. Look, I served about a year in active duty, and the rest on the individual ready reserves. Sure the IRR isn't a big commitment, but look, the government can't on the one hand count me as part of their strategic capacity and on the other hand pretend I don't exist.
They can't insist I can be called at any time, and then say I wasn't on call for them. I served 1 year active duty, and 7 years on the IRR. I don't ask for any more respect than a civilian but yeah, I can't lie either - I am a former member of the armed forces, and if that's your definition of veteran, that's me.
There is no federal law that defines what is a veteran or is not a veteran. Typically, a law is passed giving benefits, and for the purpose of receiving those benefits, some veterans are eligible and others are not. And we also live in a federalist system, and the states have varying definitions. For example, in Massachusetts you are a veteran if you served 180 days, and in Texas, if you served 180 days (excluding training).
Of course, some benefits are reserved for those who died in combat, others for serving in combat, others for those who served a certain length of time, etc.
TN has all those categories, and also includes some laws that just say you are a veteran if you served any time and were honorably discharged. And btw, even the Federal government has a cold war certificate program where any length of time (during the cold war) will get you that certificate.
I think it is good that anyone who served in peacetime is generally more respectful of those who served in war time.
I, personally, didn't serve a long time, and I'm respectful of anyone who served in combat, or anyone that served a long time.
I don't want anything, I don't celebrate Veterans day and I don't talk about my service. However, if I apply to a job and if they asked if I served, I have to say I did. In today's world if you have anything wrong on your resume it's considered fraud. Like it or not, I have to occasionally claim I'm a veteran, depending upon the scenario, and you know what, I'm not a lawyer, I just have to do the best I can.
I'm offended by veteran's who don't like me telling the truth, to be honest. I'm obligated to tell the truth, I hide it when I can - but if pressed, I am a veteran. Look, I served about a year in active duty, and the rest on the individual ready reserves. Sure the IRR isn't a big commitment, but look, the government can't on the one hand count me as part of their strategic capacity and on the other hand pretend I don't exist.
They can't insist I can be called at any time, and then say I wasn't on call for them. I served 1 year active duty, and 7 years on the IRR. I don't ask for any more respect than a civilian but yeah, I can't lie either - I am a former member of the armed forces, and if that's your definition of veteran, that's me.
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