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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Our military is a worldwide operation. We can not all be at the tip of the spear. And
I believe that every mos and assignment everywhere is necessary for success. What makes you a veteran is that you SERVED. It does not matter where! when or what you did.
I believe that every mos and assignment everywhere is necessary for success. What makes you a veteran is that you SERVED. It does not matter where! when or what you did.
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I think if you are running around claiming every discount and playing on the publics ignorance to puff your chest out and say look at me when you have never deployed is douchebaggery at its finest. Still a veteran tho.
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It would be poor strategy for military command to deploy everyone somewhere. We don’t have that much ability to defend ourselves against Russia for example. They could take down much of our power and communications grid. Drug shipments regularly fly up our East coast, perhaps not often with a U.S. destination but easier to land in remote Canada. Our fleet is declining, especially in comparison to China’s increasing fleet and Russian Arctic capabilities. President Biden will not consider himself more expert than generals and admirals, so listen to their advice. At least President Trump did not enlist, that could have been detrimental in some way though it might have taught him some realism. I deployed three times and volunteered on two Navy South Pacific aid cruises in conjunction with Project Hope. So you can call me a left wing radical if you wish.
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I personally think all service members who graduated initial entry training should have the right to claim veteran status
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Veterans are anyone who has served no matter if you didn't see action. We put our life on the line for our great country knowing it could mean our life. Anyone who chose to serve deserves no is entitled to Veterans status. God bless us and the greatest country in the world. Rangers lead the way..
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"Veteran Status" in my mind is any person, who served in ANY military branch for 180 days or more. Hence, some Reservists are considered "veterans," by the VA; but some who didn't hit that 180 day mark are not. To me however, if you took the Oath of Enlistment (or officer), and received an Honorable Discharge, REGARDLESS of days served on active duty, then you ARE a "Veteran."
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Absolutely NOT. I volunteered during Vietnam. My first permanent party duty station was the 5-sided office building near our Capitol city. From there to Taiwan (Republic of China). Thence to another "foreign" duty station (for a guy from New York City), Alabama, Germany, and back to Alabama (a different installation). I dare you to say I'm NOT a veteran.
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OK, 'LT. ROTC Graduate;
I'll answer your question, with one of mine. Know the difference in VFW versus American Legion? The first, open only Veterans of 'Foreign' Wars. The second is open to all ALL'American' Service Members regardless, branch or pay grade. Recall, many were being alerted impending deployment the Gulf, Desert Shield. A recent BCT/AIT 'graduate' exclaimed, "What? Wait! Deploy! But Sergeant. I came in for the GI Bill...for college! Not to go into no war! There's gotta be some...mistake?!" And he made it.
Now I'll ask you a question.
I 'volunteered' while Vietnam Veterans left military service, glad they were able to. Somebody...still had to serve, both in CONUS & abroad as well, preparing for the 'next' war.. Ever heard term, "REFORGER"? How about Ready Reaction Force? What about those assigned units stationed, (then) West Germany or South Korea? For me, I've served in both with a total of over seven 3/3/1 = 7 years far from home & family in CONUS, probably before you were born. No insult, a fact. There was a reason it was called, 'COLD WAR'.
I'll answer your question, with one of mine. Know the difference in VFW versus American Legion? The first, open only Veterans of 'Foreign' Wars. The second is open to all ALL'American' Service Members regardless, branch or pay grade. Recall, many were being alerted impending deployment the Gulf, Desert Shield. A recent BCT/AIT 'graduate' exclaimed, "What? Wait! Deploy! But Sergeant. I came in for the GI Bill...for college! Not to go into no war! There's gotta be some...mistake?!" And he made it.
Now I'll ask you a question.
I 'volunteered' while Vietnam Veterans left military service, glad they were able to. Somebody...still had to serve, both in CONUS & abroad as well, preparing for the 'next' war.. Ever heard term, "REFORGER"? How about Ready Reaction Force? What about those assigned units stationed, (then) West Germany or South Korea? For me, I've served in both with a total of over seven 3/3/1 = 7 years far from home & family in CONUS, probably before you were born. No insult, a fact. There was a reason it was called, 'COLD WAR'.
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SSG Bill McCoy
I'm not sure whether or not you consider non-deployed persons as Veterans or not; but to be clear, I do. If you took the Oath, and were a "weekend warrior" who never deployed, you are STILL a VETERAN
As a Nam Vet (Navy Corpsman before Army), I belong to the American Legion where we are ALL considered Veterans. The VFW has their distinction, but they also insulted Vietnam Vets for not "winning their war." Yet, they allow them to join (which they should), but only for the dues. They also welcome SOCIAL Members ... again, for the dues.
I'll stick with the American Legion where we are ALL Veterans no matter the branch of service, or being Reservist, Regular or National Guard. Most people probably don't realize how often the NG's are deployed, OR that they deploy most of the time for 18 MONTHS; not 12. My best Army buddy joined the NG and had two 18 month deployments to Afghanistan.
Again ... take the Oath & serve honorably ... they're a VETERAN.
As a Nam Vet (Navy Corpsman before Army), I belong to the American Legion where we are ALL considered Veterans. The VFW has their distinction, but they also insulted Vietnam Vets for not "winning their war." Yet, they allow them to join (which they should), but only for the dues. They also welcome SOCIAL Members ... again, for the dues.
I'll stick with the American Legion where we are ALL Veterans no matter the branch of service, or being Reservist, Regular or National Guard. Most people probably don't realize how often the NG's are deployed, OR that they deploy most of the time for 18 MONTHS; not 12. My best Army buddy joined the NG and had two 18 month deployments to Afghanistan.
Again ... take the Oath & serve honorably ... they're a VETERAN.
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I may be biased given that I was on active duty when Guard and Reserve forces had a reputation for checking in just long enough for roll call and not being available when there was a mission to perform. In 1990 we had Desert Shield and Desert Storm come up and the Guard and Reserve forces were not up to the tasks of deployments for the duration, nor were they up to getting the mission completed without extensive OJT. They were finally ready to complete the mission about the time the shooting ended.
Should they be considered veterans? My opinion is all DOD forces should complete all required training and then start the clock for veteran status. The VA guideline say 180 days active duty.
Should they be considered veterans? My opinion is all DOD forces should complete all required training and then start the clock for veteran status. The VA guideline say 180 days active duty.
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SSG Bill McCoy
If one took the Oath, and served honorably, they are entitled to the distinction of "VETERAN." Yes, SOME Guard & Reserve units were lacking, but those that deployed to the sandbox, mostly had 18 MONTH deployments.
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Let me dig out two pennies from under my couch cushions.
I believe if you served out your contract honorably then you can claim to be a veteran. If you deployed to a hostile fire zone , then you are a veteran upon return regardless of the balance of your contract. On the other hand, I have responded to at least one young RECRUIT who didnt make it through entry training for one sick, lame or lazy reason or another. These recruits are not veterans. Thats my 2¢ and these days that wont even buy you a piece of bazooka bubble gum.
I believe if you served out your contract honorably then you can claim to be a veteran. If you deployed to a hostile fire zone , then you are a veteran upon return regardless of the balance of your contract. On the other hand, I have responded to at least one young RECRUIT who didnt make it through entry training for one sick, lame or lazy reason or another. These recruits are not veterans. Thats my 2¢ and these days that wont even buy you a piece of bazooka bubble gum.
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