Posted on May 6, 2014
Should veteran status be reserved for those who have deployed?
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This one has come up a lot in conversations with my peers and Soldiers: Should you be allowed to claim veterans status if you have never deployed?
Personally, I'm an ROTC graduate who chose to go straight into the ARNG in 2011, knowing full well that my chances to deploy would be next to none with the changing op tempo. Realistically, had I been actively searching out a deployment the whole time, I still may not have gotten one. I'm sure there are Soldiers out there who served honorably in a reserve component without deploying, despite their best efforts. So, for example, should a Soldier who completed basic training, had a clean service record, excelled in their peer group, but ultimately served 10 years as a reservist with no deployment and less than 180 days on non-ADT active service be prevented from calling themselves a veteran?
I have my own thoughts, but I'm more interesting in hearing your opinions. For clarification, I'm speaking more towards the legal definition of veterans status - even if the laws were changed here, there would still be an immense difference between a legal veteran and a legal veteran with several deployments, combat experience, decades on active duty, or a combination of all three.
Personally, I'm an ROTC graduate who chose to go straight into the ARNG in 2011, knowing full well that my chances to deploy would be next to none with the changing op tempo. Realistically, had I been actively searching out a deployment the whole time, I still may not have gotten one. I'm sure there are Soldiers out there who served honorably in a reserve component without deploying, despite their best efforts. So, for example, should a Soldier who completed basic training, had a clean service record, excelled in their peer group, but ultimately served 10 years as a reservist with no deployment and less than 180 days on non-ADT active service be prevented from calling themselves a veteran?
I have my own thoughts, but I'm more interesting in hearing your opinions. For clarification, I'm speaking more towards the legal definition of veterans status - even if the laws were changed here, there would still be an immense difference between a legal veteran and a legal veteran with several deployments, combat experience, decades on active duty, or a combination of all three.
Reserves
Army National Guard
Deployment
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 678
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You of course hold the title of veteran. The title of combat veteran is reserved for those of us that served in combat. As one can assume, even that title has varying degrees as well, e.g. CIB, CMB, CAB (in that order).
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Speaking as a CAR Marine of the Gulf War/Somalia Era I believe that Veterans who stand post are Veterans period, regardless of whether they saw fulltime deployment, combat, or otherwise. What we must understand and stay united behind is the fact that today less than 28% of Americans have ever served in their country in any capacity!! That is a small advocacy group I'd you ask me. I mean who is going to sympathize more with my busted knee from all the forced road marches, or my shitty right ear from all the weapons I was forced to fire and listen to....a civilian?! They have no freaking clue...so us veterans being decided is just silly....no....stupid. UNITED WE STAND!
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Should NFL/MLB players that only get to play in games be called veterans versus those who only sit the bench or play when far ahead/behind? It's the same thing.
Next Slide!!!
Next Slide!!!
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Honestly, if you look at all the companies that are owned and operated by "operators" or "combat Vets" or "Rangers"...hell, there weren't that many MTOE positions!!! It seems everyone claims that crap nowadays. You even see them at the gun ranges with their camp hat and Operator Beard...give. me. a. break.
You served. Doesn't matter how, where, how long. And to those that would question it...tell them to eat a bowl of...ummm...cheerios...yeah...cheerios.
You served. Doesn't matter how, where, how long. And to those that would question it...tell them to eat a bowl of...ummm...cheerios...yeah...cheerios.
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Dictionary definition of "veteran ": "Someone who has served in the military." Period, end of statement. I've done three tours as an aviation mechanic, I have friends who (through no fault of their own) haven't deployed in their decade+ I the military, and they are as much veterans as me.
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If you served honorably, your a veteran. It doesn't matter. I had three combat tours in the ARNG. I still consider anyone who wore the uniform to be a veteran regardless of deployments or not.
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You're a Veteran. I serve for 7 years active duty Army. I did 2 deployments to Iraq. Yes there is difference between the one's who deployed and live outside the wired. Then you have one's who never left the FOB. Then the one's who never deploy at all. In my book if you sign up and serve in the military and did your time. I know you still be a veteran, because we're all one big family for life. I pray for all my brother's and sister's to have wonderful life. Y'all are all Veteran's and be proud to be serve your country.
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If you served you are a veteran. If you served in a combat zone, you are just a little bit more veteran. From a 5 time combat veteran. We all served...
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"The distinction between a military retiree and a military veteran may be blurred at times. Basically, a veteran is anyone who serves in the military for any length of time. The distinction is based primarily on years of service.
The following information is taken from the American War Veterans website.
What Is a Veteran?
A veteran is defined by federal law, moral code, and military service as “Any, Any, Any”: A military veteran is Any person who served for Any length of time in Any military service branch.
What Is a War Veteran?
A war veteran is any GI (government issue) ordered to foreign soil or waters to participate in direct or support activity against an enemy. The operant condition: any GI sent in harm’s way.
What Is a Combat Veteran?
A combat veteran is any GI who experiences any level of hostility for any duration resulting from offensive, defensive, or friendly fire military action involving a real or perceived enemy in any foreign theater.
The following information is taken from the American War Veterans website.
What Is a Veteran?
A veteran is defined by federal law, moral code, and military service as “Any, Any, Any”: A military veteran is Any person who served for Any length of time in Any military service branch.
What Is a War Veteran?
A war veteran is any GI (government issue) ordered to foreign soil or waters to participate in direct or support activity against an enemy. The operant condition: any GI sent in harm’s way.
What Is a Combat Veteran?
A combat veteran is any GI who experiences any level of hostility for any duration resulting from offensive, defensive, or friendly fire military action involving a real or perceived enemy in any foreign theater.
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