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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I say yes. I was an active duty armament systems specialist for 20 years. I did 2 assignments overseas, RoK and UK, and three 45-day deployments to southern Italy in support of expeditionary forces. During Desert Storm, my unit, myself included, did testing on weapons for the F-111 that ultimately were taken to Iraq and ruined Hussein's plan. Did I ever deploy to a front line? Not in active war. But Osan AB is a front line installation for the Air Force. It would be completely unfair to lose my veteran status, especially as I am a retiree.
Tonya S.
Tonya S.
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So all the Cold War personnel in Korea and Europe who were at the ready for decades aren’t Vets? Navy, Marine and Air Force members who were shot at during peace time or just doing routine patrols to show force aren’t Vets? Someone who was tasked to higher headquarters or as a drone operator and stayed In CONUS isn’t a Vet? We did not pick when to serve or where we we were sent. We all signed the blank check and to go where we were needed.
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TSgt Tonya Myers
I agree. My father was sent from Okinawa where we were stationed, to Republic of Korea during the Pueblo Crisis. He was an Aerospace Ground Equipment mechanic. All AFSC had to be ready to go anywhere on a moment's notice. Whether they did or not does not determine their veteran's status.
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No. Go where you are needed the most. Lots of military personnel didn't get deployed. Not their fault. However, I have the upmost contempt for those that purposely dodged it. My former BC now a one star, said your advancement was partially dependent on whether you were deployed or not. A big factor in his mind.
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NO. They were willing. I have been deployed but if you signed up to go, and served honorably, You are a vet.
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I spent 23 years in ARNG infantry. I started as a PFC and ended as a MAJ. One of my battle buddies died in a training accident in IET. I was ready and committed to deployment the whole time. I missed the usual family events and opportunities. When the time came in 2002, my wife became ill and I missed my deployment. My unit had several casualties and 6 KIA. I carry some complex feelings about not being there but my friends are supportive because they know why. The government tells me that I am not a veteran, but my nephew who spent six years on Active Duty in New Mexico is. Hmmm.
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Veteran is a veteran doesn’t matter if you were a navy seal or mess cook...same no difference at all regardless what’s anyone says...
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Yes! I think if you served in the military honorably, no matter what status, deployed or not, you can and should be able to say you are veteran. The ANG is performs 33% of AD missions. I’m sure the reserves or ARNG can put up similar numbers. We are more blended in missions now than we have ever been as a military. V/r, SMSgt Reyes
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I was in the Army, straight out of high school, and was in the 'nam six months later. Can say, for me, ANYONE WHO SERVED, DEPLOYED OR NOT, IS A US VETERAN, AND, AS SUCH, DESERVES ALL THE ACOLLADES AND GRATITUDE THAT COME WITH THAT TITLE.......PERIOD!!!!!!
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