Combat vets how do you feel toward non-combat vets?

I don't look down on those who didn't serve in in combat or even in a combat zone. While I was deployed to Iraq twice I wasn't technically in "combat". As long as you served honorably and that is all that matters.

The military is a "team effort." Everyone has a role to play on that team and no one role is more important than another. There aren't any discriminators between brothers and sisters of our profession. As long as you honorably served nobody should ever look down on someone who wasn't deployed into a combat zone.

First the bottom line you served your (our) country proud! I am a non-combat vet also, being in combat changes a person quite a bit. I should back up a little, I have spent more times in combat or war infected hot spots since my release. While I was active during my tenure I was ready to go, however was never sent.. I had those thoughts of being deployed while active duty, but then as I also said spending over a decade in war infected hot spots, wearing a different uniform but fighting for the same cause changes a person.. Sorry to hear about your wife and Happy to hear that your son is serving.. Be Proud, Be American!!

I recently got back last Nov. from a year long deployment in Africa (combat zone but no hostile fire while i was there) I volunteered for this deployment. I volunteered to give up 1 yr of my life away from my 3 young kids and wonderful wife. I have been in the Active Army National Guard for the last 15 years and in the Guard for 24 years total and while I was in recruiting (moving up in rank) I watched my whole state get deployed around me while I stayed back (some twice) Personally (now this was just for me) I felt like I needed to validate my career by making this sacrifice. Looking back on it, I have no regrets it was a great experience. With all that being said, I hold NOTHING against those that don't deploy unless they shammed out of going. I appreciate each and every one of my brothers and sisters in arms.

Personally I don't differentiate between combat and non-combat vets, still my brothers and sisters in arms. No one should be looked down upon because they haven't deployed due to circumstances beyond their control.

depends on the reason. In your situation MSgt Borders- my hat is off to you, as you did the right thing! For the guys that don't deploy because they are skating out of everything just coasting by not trying and getting in trouble, Id say no respect for them. There is honor in serving your country even if its not down range!

Brother just serving honorably makes one a Brother and Sister in Arms. Never feel less than any other veteran. I am a Combat Veteran Having deployed to Desert Storm and OIF III and V with that in mind I can tell you that I hold no animosity to any of my Veteran friends that have not deployed. That being said, those that I have deployed with have a deeper connection with one another. How we interact is definitely defined by our deployments together.

I was one of those that thought you had to be in combat or a chance of it . I finely pulled my head out of my butt . Started to realize that if not for those in the rear , I wouldnt have the things I needed to carry out our mission . Things like c- rations , ammo clothing and others

It is reassuring to hear all the support, brothers and sisters in arms! I was supposed to go to Iraq and was willing to. My health was an issue, however, as I had had melanoma and been a heat casualty 3 times. I also had at least 20 basal cell skin cancer lesions. As a result, the Army ended up considering me non-deployable. I am still a drilling Reservist and can do my jobs (EMT and LPN). I had a little bit of a problem for awhile feeling I was not "pitching in and doing my part". I also knew I was ready and able when the time came (or comes) to do what it takes. I am thankful the overwhelming feeling is a positive one for those like me. Obviously, I was not dodging being deployed (nor would I).

I'm a 2 tour combat vet of Iraq, I deployed the first time in 2003 for OIF 1 and then 2011 for OND. I know a lot of non combat vets and I'm pretty good friends with them. Even the FNG's straight out of Basic training, are pretty good guys lol. The only animosity I have any non combat vets is if they try to BS lie about deploying to feel special and pay off that sacred brotherhood. Thankfully I haven't run into any of those guys yet. I'm glad that your CoC let you stay and take care of your wife while her health was bad, that is a good CoC in my opinion. I almost missed my last deployment because my wife had thyroid cancer, but I was allowed to go because she had it under control.