At what point can someone be discharged and call themselves a veteran?

2018-06-22T09:23:27-04:00

I have heard many times how 1 guy who made it through basically only to get hurt during a run and get medicaled out was not a real soldier and didn't deserve to call himself a Veteran. so I ask my brothers and sisters what are your thoughts on this?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2018 10:23 AM

2018-06-22T10:23:00-04:00

In my opinion, if someone makes it through basic training and gets hurt through no fault of his own, he's a veteran. He made the choice to serve and he completed his training, but unfortunately he got hurt early in his career. If an NFL player gets hurt in his first game do we say he didn't play professional football? No. Why would this be any different?

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 22 at 2018 3:59 PM

2018-06-22T15:59:39-04:00

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-much-service-time-qualifies-you-as-a-veteran?urlhash=2634492

How much service time qualifies you as a Veteran? | RallyPoint

Outside of those who get injured and medically separated, is there a minimum timeframe service members should service to be considered a Veteran? Completion of bootcamp? Completion of first tour? First enlistment? 180 days? Are there situations that should disqualify someone as a Veteran? Dishonorable Discharge? Requesting to separate prior to the end of first enlistment or before earning an MOS or Rating?

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Nov 21 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-11-21T17:49:04-05:00

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/entry-level-separations-what-is-an-els-3356960

Why You Might Not Get an Entry-Level Separation from Military Service

Despite common misconceptions, Entry Level Separation (ELS) from the military is not something you can ask for.

Response by Cpl Robert Russell Payne made Jan 11 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-01-11T20:36:08-05:00

If a person has a DD214 then they are a Verteran.