Posted on Feb 3, 2017
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?
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Getting out after 5 months because you sprained your ankle and got depressed doesn't make you a veteran. Further, it's a slap in the face to people who have done amazing things to earn that title. So no, your coworker is not a Veteran. She's a quitter.
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SPC Juanita Anderson
Who said the wanted be is a she? The PFC did not say it was a she. It could be a lazy male.
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SPC Juanita Anderson
MSG (Join to see) who said it was a female. SPC said co-worker. Did not put sex in her comment.
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PO2 David Hendrick
PO2 Dave Hendrick, USCG Veteran, 4 years.
Being in the service for six (6) months, and then quitting doesn't cut it in my book to call yourself a veteran.
Being in the service for six (6) months, and then quitting doesn't cut it in my book to call yourself a veteran.
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I served five years in recruiting and I remember in our recruiting manual stating that you must have completed 180 days of consecutive service to be considered a veteran.
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PO2 Mark Fraktman
I had a friend who was Air Force who was discharged after 160 or 120 days, depending on when you talked to him, who claimed to be a veteran. Said he completed basic and all but two or three months of PJ training in that time before they found out he was an insulin dependant diabetic and was before he enlisted so discharged him.
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PO3 Doug Freyburger
You're citing the qualification for medical coverage. The US is strange in that each benefit has its own legal definition of veteran. So if you can find a benefit you qualify for, you're a benefit for that benefit.
So the one you cited doesn't actually say they aren't a veteran in the general sense.
So the one you cited doesn't actually say they aren't a veteran in the general sense.
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Maj Gordon Hunter
PO3 Doug Freyburger - When speaking to medical coverage, you can stop at "The US is strange."
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SrA Bruce Banner
I was told by my JAG officers at my first base it’s 180 days cumulative otherwise that means Reservists and Guardsmen can never be veterans.
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I would have to say that the person in question cannot be considered a veteran. 1. Did not finish training (AIT), 2. did not get assigned to a unit that was not a training unit . 3. Was not in a combat zone, 4. More than likely did not receive the National Defense Ribbon, 5. Did not receive a ribbon for the Cold War, 6. Their DD214 should be able to answer some interesting questions-like why did they not stay in.
I would have to say that nope. Sparky does not get to be called a veteran.
I would have to say that nope. Sparky does not get to be called a veteran.
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SPC Tony Blanton
I served my three cold war years. I received zero medals and saw zero combat. Does that mean I'm not a veteran in your world?
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PO2 Stephen Brownell
SPC (Join to see) My nephew got out on a medical while in bootcamphe broke his right ankle in two places when he was on cruches he broke his left ankle .My nephew is 6' 5" 275 lbs .
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LTC Derek Berryhill
LTC Derek Berryhill Edited to add: I'm not sure if your intended statement is to say that you have to meet all 6 of YOUR qualifications in order to be considered a veteran (I disagree with 5 of the 6) .... or if this was just a general statement. I do, however, agree with you about the completion of AIT. But honestly, even those people, I don't care if they call themselves a veteran or a circus clown...it doesn't effect me, my life or my family one bit. If they apply for benefits, etc. that's up to the VA to decide.
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MSgt Craig Gauger
SPC Tony Blanton - You should have earned your National Defense Service Medal at least. Did you ever deploy anywhere, stateside or overseas?
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