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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To me in order to earn the title of veteran, you should first earn the title of service member. A basic trainee is just that, a trainee. Does she deserve credit for giving it the "ole college try" so to speak? I suppose. But IMHO she is not a veteran.
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SrA Chris Adams, I'm with you -- Your scenario leaves a bad taste in my mouth as well. I don't know where one should draw the line, or if there is an official answer to that question, but I would say you're a veteran if you complete a term of service and ETS. In the past that could have been anywhere from two to six years.
For what it's worth, I know a woman who did something similar to the woman you describe. She joined the Navy, didn't make it through Basic, stuck around for about six months (probably being recycled and waiting to heal from injuries), and then she was discharged. After that she went to the VA and got 20% disability, which offended me. It's certainly none of my business, but I still think it stinks.
For what it's worth, I know a woman who did something similar to the woman you describe. She joined the Navy, didn't make it through Basic, stuck around for about six months (probably being recycled and waiting to heal from injuries), and then she was discharged. After that she went to the VA and got 20% disability, which offended me. It's certainly none of my business, but I still think it stinks.
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Wow. I remember I fell down two flights of stairs the 3rd week of basic. My knee swelled up and I couldn't bend my leg whatsoever. We had the obstacle course the next day and I'm glad to say I made it. I came in last and was wobbling at a fast pace, but I didn't stop. Fast-forward to my unit and I broke my ankle during a run, still finished the last 2 miles without stopping. Still here and hopefully done getting injured!
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UPDATE: Ok I've seen some of the posts on this thread ... My question is are we informed about the differences (as any may exist) between
What does the VA use to determine elligibility?
and
What harder rule-set (UCMJ?) is used as what the VA is supposed to be following?
I'm sure its not the VA who "makes the rule" here. They have to follow something. Where is this source? And are we all remembering this as we reply here? (it seemed to me some are not)
What does the VA use to determine elligibility?
and
What harder rule-set (UCMJ?) is used as what the VA is supposed to be following?
I'm sure its not the VA who "makes the rule" here. They have to follow something. Where is this source? And are we all remembering this as we reply here? (it seemed to me some are not)
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I was under the impression that you are not a veteran unless you have at least 6 months in. I did my 4 years (just didn't re-enlist) and some people still don't consider me a vet, maybe because it was the coast guard I never deployed overseas? But I think they're thinking of VFW membership eligibility, if which I'm not. ANYWAY, I believe, in order to be eligible for veterans benefits you have to have been in for at least 6 months with an honorable discharge. I have a nephew in that group, who got out during tech school, but receives some veterans benefits. I kind of have a problem with that.
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Cpl Christopher Bishop
If the response to the Navy folks referring to the Marine Corps as a department of the Navy...is "The Men's Department", or more recently, "The Mui-Thai department" ... I must ask what's the CGs response to the same?
Hey the CG might spend more time closer to home, dealing with various forms of law enforcement, DEA, Homeland, and the task of saving our own Americans from themselves when they get stupid around our waters...well you still count in my book. In fact there might not be much difference between the DEA related work, and the 8541/0317 Marine Snipers out there picking off Drug Cartel key personnel...its all in the interest of Protecting Americans---from themselves, it lies within the logic of slowing down the supply end of illicit drugs getting here, because apparently we cannot do much about the Demand side, as too many "parents" are overbreeding for the wrong reasons and won't teach their own to leave the drugs alone. So I suppose we can argue the USMC and USCG work together, just at different points of the supply run.
(I've already more specifically addressed the initial posted question down below)
Hey the CG might spend more time closer to home, dealing with various forms of law enforcement, DEA, Homeland, and the task of saving our own Americans from themselves when they get stupid around our waters...well you still count in my book. In fact there might not be much difference between the DEA related work, and the 8541/0317 Marine Snipers out there picking off Drug Cartel key personnel...its all in the interest of Protecting Americans---from themselves, it lies within the logic of slowing down the supply end of illicit drugs getting here, because apparently we cannot do much about the Demand side, as too many "parents" are overbreeding for the wrong reasons and won't teach their own to leave the drugs alone. So I suppose we can argue the USMC and USCG work together, just at different points of the supply run.
(I've already more specifically addressed the initial posted question down below)
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I am currently going to school with someone that made it through basic and was kicked out after because, in his own words, "I thought I could do anything I wanted to." Any time a teacher asks who is a veteran he responds. Anytime the VA rep comes into class he wants to talk to them. Even though he doesn't get any benefits and has no reason to talk to them. I spent 7 years in, and when ever he claims to be a Vet I just want to smack him. That's my thoughts on this issue
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Well, I almost got my commission, so by that reasoning, I can conclude I am an Officer?
Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Remember that old saying?
Sure, many enlistees hurt themselves during Basic. Some drop out and others who really want to complete it can't because of injury or administrative issues. It's sad and I really hate hearing those stories...but many times in life, we simply don't make our goals. I disagree that a Basic Training wash-out should feel entitled to claim the same status as folks who were fortunate enough to run that gamut and legitimately earn their Veteran status.
And this woman's story really made me angry :(
Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Remember that old saying?
Sure, many enlistees hurt themselves during Basic. Some drop out and others who really want to complete it can't because of injury or administrative issues. It's sad and I really hate hearing those stories...but many times in life, we simply don't make our goals. I disagree that a Basic Training wash-out should feel entitled to claim the same status as folks who were fortunate enough to run that gamut and legitimately earn their Veteran status.
And this woman's story really made me angry :(
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She isn't worthy of a title of veteran. Heck, she ain't even worthy of being called a BOOT! And according to your description, she's borderline close to stolen valor! Not that it's no longer illegal to claim. Disgraceful
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