I have a co-worker who says they are a veteran but only served 5 months (didn't finish AIT). Would you consider that a veteran?

SPC (Join to see) - That VFW Post obviously didn't check his DD-214 or they would know that he's not eligible.

SGM Robert Moore - AIT?

PO3 Robert Resch I hate the way the VA does our Veterans. On your hand injury if you can find 3 of your mates to write an affidavit to what happened the VA has to accept it as proof. Had a friend at Ft Hood that was pinned between an APC and a river bank. He never went for medical because he was a badass and didn't need medical. Well he started having trouble and 3 of us wrote affidavits to the incident and he now has his disability rating.

SSgt (Join to see) - the school that army service members attend to become Mos qualified. Your version of afsc school.

Yes, so that's roughly 6 months minimum.

SrA Bruce Banner - hence the contract stating that IADT IS FOR 6 MONTHS. you're right though some reserve or national guard personnel would never be considered veterans. Some unique and/or obscure MOS's or units rarely get called up, short of a major conflict/emergency.

SFC Kevin Childers - To be elible for some VA benefits such as education the minimum used to be 180 days active service. Now it's even a longer period.

I did 6 years in the peacetime reserves. 81-87

I did not do 180 days of (non training) active duty.

I am not eligible for veterans benefits from the government..

But I did at one time in my life give Uncle Sam a blank check.

It’s not my fault how he chose to cash it.

I am a veteran.

SSG Bj Wioskowski - One of the best answers re: this topic. Splitting hairs over reserve v. active and whether or not one served in combat in order to be considered a "veteran" is ridiculous. If one served their time commitment & got an OTH or better is all that should be required to earn the moniker.

As has been posted before, there is no ribbon for service during the Cold War.

SSgt Thomas Canning - The National Defense Ribbon is not really an award. it is a participation ribbon.

MSgt Jeff Stephens So since I was in the NG and didn't get a DD-214 I am not a Veteran even though I received a TBI in AIT but chose to continue in the NG rather than take the medical I was offered. I am still not a Veteran even though I continued to serve until I had another TBI and started having seizures so I could no longer serve. According to you I am not a Veteran even though I signed the same contract to give everything including my life for my country? Sir you are a piece of work and a disgrace to your command!