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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Not yet a Veteran. Signing and raising your right hand is signing a blank check and after finishing training you are subject to great risks. Do you job well and be a part of what defending our country.
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No, and here's why. There are people in the rear that work hard so we can have the intelligence we need in the forward. We still need people in the rear to get us those "beans and bullets" so we can stay in the fight or the Class VI that keeps us sane.
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I have in my possession Two DD214 (one for Each Enlistment)
the title of the DD214 form is "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"
I completed my time,
I have the paper to prove it,
the Narrative reason for separation is "Expiration of Term of Enlistment"
the Character of Service is listed as "Honorable"
I Qualify as a Veteran.
I only did ten years, so I don't get Retirement Benefits. Although I believe that I could get Meds and Glasses (possibly dental?) from the VA
the title of the DD214 form is "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"
I completed my time,
I have the paper to prove it,
the Narrative reason for separation is "Expiration of Term of Enlistment"
the Character of Service is listed as "Honorable"
I Qualify as a Veteran.
I only did ten years, so I don't get Retirement Benefits. Although I believe that I could get Meds and Glasses (possibly dental?) from the VA
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It seems as if there are a few points of confusion here. Thank goodness there is NOT a map and a compass.
You seem to be confusing "Deployment" and Active Duty. First off, Active Duty will usually see "Deployment" before a "Reservist". Second of all, If You Serve. You are a VETERAN. Period Dot. How about those who did one or two Active enlistments and did not completely get out but, became reserviste? Better yet. How about the FACT that even after your hitch is up, you are still obligated to a couple of years INACTIVE RESERVE. I hope, if you are still in, that you learn to have ALL your facts/intel together, before you present your plan of attack. In old terms. It is better to be thought of as "Uninformed" than to open your lips and remove all doubt. With ALL due respect SIR.
You seem to be confusing "Deployment" and Active Duty. First off, Active Duty will usually see "Deployment" before a "Reservist". Second of all, If You Serve. You are a VETERAN. Period Dot. How about those who did one or two Active enlistments and did not completely get out but, became reserviste? Better yet. How about the FACT that even after your hitch is up, you are still obligated to a couple of years INACTIVE RESERVE. I hope, if you are still in, that you learn to have ALL your facts/intel together, before you present your plan of attack. In old terms. It is better to be thought of as "Uninformed" than to open your lips and remove all doubt. With ALL due respect SIR.
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