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

All have a purpose deployed or not, all are Veterans

I was a U.S. Marine 1980 to 84 fairly peaceful time. My son just started his fourth tour as an Army paratrooper and i ask myself that question a lot. Wonder a lot if i could have cut it and hope i could have. Still very proud to have served.

MSgt Curtis Borders you are still my brother regardless, you still wrote the same blank check I wrote to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’ Just because your country didn't cash the check, it doesn't mean that you didn't write it. You are and always will be one of us brother!!

I always have felt second class compared to my brothers that were in combat. I served from 61 to 68 but never was deployed to Nam.

A Vet is a Vet. Any Soldier, Sailor or Airman that served our Country, regardless of their assignment, took the oath to Defend against Enemy's both foreign and domestic, and to obey the President and any Officers appointed over them. I believe that equates to their willingness to lay their Life on the line if the need arises. Ret MSG Michael J. Murphy

I deployed on six ships in my career, but never saw combat. Just luck of the draw. I was in during the Cold War, Gulf War, Drug War, etc. I retired shortly before 9/11...

Interesting question and to an extent... There is a difference. Not from a personal standpoint but a legal one. Many civil service agencies... Police, Fire, Corrections, etc... Will allow members of service with combat military time purchase their military time towards pension requirements. i.e. Lets use the example of a 20 year pensioner. That veteran would buy back their time... Say 3 years.... And only have to work 17 years in that agency to meet the 20 year requirement to retire. Adversely, a Veteran without combat credit can not purchase the time back. Even though that member has no say in deployment status.... So while we as Vets don't see a difference... The law does.... And this is just one example of differences in laws concerning Vets... Just food for thought...

I was on active duty with the Air Force from 1960 to 1975. I was stationed at 8 different places including 2 years in Japan. I went everywhere I was assigned and did every duty I was assigned to. Those did not include Vietnam. Had I volunteered I would have had to wait 5 years to go.

So, I was not there. But, I am a vet.

As I have said in other posts, I served 28 years mostly non-combat--never deployed, I am proud of my service. You made MSgt-not easy in the Air Force to get there. You obviously were very successful. You contributed to the USAF Mission throughout your career, and did it very well or you wouldn't be MSgt.. You also are a devoted husband and family man who also inspired his son to serve. You have every reason to be proud! Thanks for your service!

MSgt (Join to see) you are no less a veteran. What about those who never served in wartime?