What do you consider a veteran?

2021-10-28T13:23:12-04:00

I have had some disagreements with fellow SM's about what is a veteran. Some have said only those who have deployed/seen combat. I believe thats a combat vet, and a veteran is somebody who served at least 2 years after basic and MOS training. What are your thoughts?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 1:40 PM

2021-10-28T13:40:51-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member You can do a search to find many posts with this question. Here is the official definition:

https://www.hillandponton.com/vas-definition-veteran-depth-look/#:~:text=The%20VA%20defines%20the%20word%20veteran%20as%20%E2%80%9Ca,or%20released%20therefrom%20under%20conditions%20other%20than%20dishonorable.%E2%80%9D

Page Not Found - Hill & Ponton, P.A.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 28 at 2021 1:41 PM

2021-10-28T13:41:19-04:00

If you served your time honorably, where you are Active or Reserve, you are a Veteran. If you deployed to a Combat Zone, you are a Combat Veteran.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 2:15 PM

2021-10-28T14:15:07-04:00

The legal definition of a Veteran is "someone who served more than 45 consecutive days in any component of the armed forces after the completion of initial entry training"

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-10-28T14:24:02-04:00

I found this:
Under Title 38 of the U.S. Code a veteran is defined as a “person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.”
In 2016 the law was expanded to also include reservists that had served 20 years or more.

Thus one has to be discharged from title 10 active duty or have served 20 years in the reserves / guard to meet the legal definition of 'veteran'. That means that soldiers on active duty are not yet veterans and reservists that serve less than 20 years are not, legally, veterans.

This does not diminish anyone's service in the reserves as anyone who joined at anytime could have been sent to combat. However this can affect certain college and other financial process for a reservist.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2021 9:42 PM

2021-10-28T21:42:25-04:00

There is a legal definition under U.S.C., that CW3 Matt Tait covered. Personally, anyone who has completed training and has not been dishonorably discharged is fine enough for me regardless of Active, Guard, or Reserve status or deployment status. Anything else just adds on to that definition. "Warzone Veteran", "Deployed Veteran", "Combat Veteran", "Wounded Veteran", "Disabled Veteran", we're all Veterans after we're out, what prefix you put in front of it depends on your career.

Response by SSG James Knopp made Oct 29 at 2021 1:46 AM

2021-10-29T01:46:04-04:00

Being a veteran is not rocket science. If you’ve raised your right hand and taken the sworn oath to serve and protect this country and our way of life then of course you are. This non-partisan belief needs to be hung out to dry. A veteran is a veteran is a veteran. Just because you were deployed doesn’t make you the judge and jury. Most deployed military personnel never see combat either, unless your in the 20th percentile. In reality, your no different that someone serving OCONUS. A “combat veteran” in reality, is someone who has experienced danger in the face of the enemy. I’m sure to catch flack on this opinion, but it is what it is.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 29 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-10-29T10:56:32-04:00

What about someone who was injured badly enough to receive a medical discharge 2 months after basic?

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 29 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-10-29T10:57:09-04:00

You can't necessarily put a time frame on it. Nor can you attribute the title to someone "only if".

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Oct 29 at 2021 2:29 PM

2021-10-29T14:29:20-04:00

And the problem is civilians don't know the difference and I imagine they don't really care. We need to support each other no matter what.

Response by SGT Chris Padgett made Oct 29 at 2021 6:07 PM

2021-10-29T18:07:31-04:00

This can be a confusing question that has two valid and acceptable answers, depending on the situation.
The Title 38 definition applies to VA and benefits only. That's why the "other than dishonorable" statement is there. This definition is used for administrative purposes only. It has several rules about who, what and when.
The question of "who is a veteran" has been brought up several times in the past.
It was brought up, in Congress, by the American Legion in 1946.
Congress has defined a "veteran" as being "any person to have served at least one day of federal active duty, for reasons other than training".
This was expanded and revised to exclude the "other than training" part. This was signed into law in July of 2019.
The new rules include National Guard, Reserve service, basic training and occupational training schools as well as military academy's were considered federal active duty service. The congressional definition of veteran does not mention character of discharge. It also has no bearing on the Title 38 definition.
Jerry Garcia, Richard Pryor, Steve McQueen, Randy Orton, Stan Lee, George Carlin and many other famous people have General or lessor discharges from the military. That doesn't make them less of a veteran, just not eligible for VA benefits.
Fortunately, those with a Other than Honorable dd214 tend to not want to associate with those who do posses an Honorable dd214.
Also, for example, I had a person come into my office one day with an interesting situation.
He had an honorable DD214. The total day count was 1.
He was drafted in 1970, showed up to the selection center, took his physical, was inducted into the US Army by noon. While he was waiting with his group to leave, he was called back into the doctors office. The x-rays they took at the time revealed that he only had one kidney. He was born this way and had no idea.
They immediately DQ'd him from service.
He was inducted and discharged the same day.
Legally, he's a veteran. He's entitled to some state veteran benefits, but the VA does not recognize him as a veteran due to time in service.
Oddly enough, this happened often. Usually those type of conditions weren't caught until the draftee had already shipped.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2021 7:51 PM

2021-10-29T19:51:13-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Thank you for asking a very important question... especially for those who served what some consider "ineligible" to called a Veteran.
You had an enormous response... sadly... they didn't acknowledge your efforts with a "thumbs up". I.m proud to be your first... :-)

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Nov 4 at 2021 7:16 PM

2021-11-04T19:16:19-04:00

I am a combat vet but as far as I'm concerned anyone who served and was honorably discharged for any reason is a vet. Combat has nothing to do with it. If we combat vets didn't have support from others, we would be screwed.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Nov 19 at 2021 3:01 PM

2021-11-19T15:01:49-05:00

Somebody who can sweep, mop, and operate a buffer machine and bring a high shine to any floor, anywhere around the world.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 19 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-11-19T20:31:32-05:00

If you have a DD214 (or Reserve Component equivalent) then you’re a veteran.

Response by SGT James Sherman made Nov 19 at 2021 8:41 PM

2021-11-19T20:41:29-05:00

Combat veterans, Vietnam veterans, Vietnam era veterans, Afghan War veterans. We can't pick when we want to be born, nor can we pick where we will deploy. Some call it fate. My biggest concern are politicians who bite off more then they can chew. Our senior military leadership, and all our brave sons and daughters are the best trained force in the world. Politicians when you ordet our armed forces into combat, let them finish the task.. You just might find more peace.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Nov 21 at 2021 8:00 AM

2021-11-21T08:00:45-05:00

I'll keep it simple. If you have a DD-214 and an honorable discharge, you're a veteran. Doesn't matter if you were a clerk/typist or a Special Forces operator.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2021 9:26 AM

2021-11-22T09:26:00-05:00

Well this is a touchy question, some people believe that you are a vet once you raise your hand, other believe you are a vet once you complete basic, and then you got reg that states you are a vet upon completing 45 days after basic. So this is one of questions where you will get multiple answers. As for the other type of vets you would need to serve 30 consecutive days in a combat zone the be classified as a combat vet. As for the other type it all depends what you did and where you did it.

Response by TSgt John Bonnar made Nov 22 at 2021 11:49 AM

2021-11-22T11:49:59-05:00

I think there should some easy definition for us, Veterans. Some have seen combat; some have supported combat operations but not within combat zones. Some have never been in actual combat or supported it either. There are various dates floating around about when a service member has served, to be a Veteran too. I think we all are Veterans if we have served. Some of us never have seen combat nor been in a war zone but that should not make us, Non-Veterans. Just my opinion

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2021 4:21 PM

2021-11-22T16:21:16-05:00

A VETERAN IS SOMEONE WHO HAS SERVED HONORABLY FOR 180 CONSECUTIVE DAYS (THIS USUALLY ENTAILS BASIC AND AIT TRAINING).

Response by LTC Clayton Hill made Nov 22 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-11-22T19:13:42-05:00

Thanks to legislation passed and signed into law in 2015, I have a proud veteran status due to 39 y, 6 m and 0 d of combined AD, ADT and MONG service and retirement - none of which previously qualified me for official veteran stats (less than 6 months continuous AD). As with most, the individual does not control assignments as to duty assignments especially in war time. Now, much combat is accomplished remotely - both active duty and reserve/NG.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Nov 23 at 2021 5:50 PM

2021-11-23T17:50:02-05:00

FIRST: Veterans are PEOPLE, so the question SHOULD be "WHO do you consider (to be) a Veteran"! That said, in my opinion it's anyone who served in a uniform of the United States Armed Forces, whether or not they ever left their home state, whether or not they were ever exposed to combat; they were "there" and subject to being called and sent. ...and they were subsequently honorably discharged or retired from an Armed Forces compnent.

Response by A1C Grant Fisk made Nov 23 at 2021 9:15 PM

2021-11-23T21:15:11-05:00

Personally, I believe you don’t become a Veteran until you have been Discharged with anything other than a Dishonorable Condition after your first full Active Duty Enlistment, or are Medically Discharged with anything other than a Dishonorable Condition after having served Half of your first Active Duty commitment. This should not happen for anyone wounded in Combat. But, just my opinion.

Response by LCpl Peter Intrieri made Nov 24 at 2021 11:43 PM

2021-11-24T23:43:35-05:00

A veteran is anyone (male or female) who has served in the Armed Forces ie Marines, Army, Navy, Air- Force for 3 months or more and has been trained in Combat Techniques

Response by AA Loreen Silvarahawk made Nov 26 at 2021 7:24 AM

2021-11-26T07:24:54-05:00

Someone who completed boot camp and school all within a year. Most women in the 60's may have got that far but only that. We went through our "combat" by just trying to complete our duties.

Response by SPC Preston Harden made Nov 26 at 2021 2:06 PM

2021-11-26T14:06:12-05:00

38 U.S.C. § 101(2) provides:
The term "veteran" means a person who served
in the active military, naval, or air service, and
who was discharged or released therefrom
under conditions other than dishonorable.

Response by SPC Preston Harden made Nov 26 at 2021 2:11 PM

2021-11-26T14:11:56-05:00

Now as far as a Disabled Veteran by the ADA, that's my status.
Is a veteran with a service-connected disability automatically protected by the ADA?
No. A veteran must meet the ADA’s definition of disability. The ADA defines an “individual with a disability” as a person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. This definition of disability may differ from the definition used in other laws. For example, the term “disabled veteran” means an individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces, was honorably discharged, and has a service-connected disability or a disability that was aggravated during active duty, or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension because of a public statute administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a military department. For more information about the employment rights of veterans with disabilities, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) website.

Response by PO2 Jamie Lawson made Nov 27 at 2021 4:49 PM

2021-11-27T16:49:26-05:00

Different entities consider different periods of service for veteran status. Some, such as student aid require only one day of active duty service. But to be able to receive any VA benefits, you must have served 24 continuous months of service. My definition would be the VA requirements. I can only imagine who would say you had to deploy and see combat to be considered a veteran.

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Nov 28 at 2021 4:16 PM

2021-11-28T16:16:38-05:00

i think anyone who served either on front lines or the people keeping them in essentials to survive civilian or military personell are needed to make a team

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made Dec 2 at 2021 9:54 PM

2021-12-02T21:54:55-05:00

You have to have served and received the National Defense Service ribbon. So if you served during a time not covered you are technically not a veteran.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Dec 25 at 2021 6:51 PM

2021-12-25T18:51:33-05:00

Unless I suspect Stolen Valor (and yes I do know it when I see it) I am not that worried about how to define a Veteran. If you made it thru initial training and then for any reason could serve more than 45 days, YOU ARE A VETERAN!
It does not diminish me to call you a veteran if you did not serve for a full enlistment and were discharged. Many men and women died in service to the country and never saw the arbitrary 45 days past Bootcamp.

Response by PO2 Gerry Roberson made Dec 25 at 2021 7:22 PM

2021-12-25T19:22:21-05:00

I think if you serve a complete hitch, barring a career ending injury/illness, then you're a veteran.

Response by MSG Gloria Currie made Dec 25 at 2021 8:59 PM

2021-12-25T20:59:48-05:00

I have a friend who was discharged after 30 days. Didn’t even start basic! But she received a DD214 and can put in a claim with the VA! I don’t agree with it at all but the VA says she’s a veteran!

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Dec 26 at 2021 3:40 PM

2021-12-26T15:40:46-05:00

I've always considered a veteran anyone with an honorable discharge. If you served and were discharged under honorable conditions that makes you a veteran.

Response by SGT Kenneth Duncan made Dec 26 at 2021 4:39 PM

2021-12-26T16:39:22-05:00

At least complete Basic and AIT. I served for 9 years in the US Amy. I was in Germany during Kuwait. I volunteered to go. I was sent to a shrink. After that I got out. A Veteran is someone who served, it doesn't have to be during combat. We still served.

Response by MSG Carl Conway made Dec 27 at 2021 12:35 AM

2021-12-27T00:35:22-05:00

I consider anyone who wore the uniform, completed IET, and was honorably discharged to be a veteran. Your mileage may vary.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Dec 27 at 2021 1:00 AM

2021-12-27T01:00:35-05:00

SPC James T. - Wow ! Your definition would take "veteran" status away from tens of thousands of guys that were drafted (like me) during Viet Nam/Cold War. The draft was for two years (24 months) of TOTAL service. That time frame included basic and AIT. Most didn't get MOS training, unless you mean only 11B. I had lots of guys serve under me in Germany that were there approximately 18 months and then gone. Honorably discharged. We had our "fun" (see 8/68 Czech invasion as an example) with the Russian and East German forces mere miles away, but none of us saw actual combat. (Good thing for Western Europe and everyone else !) Guys stationed right on the border, much like the DMZ in Korea, got hazardous duty pay, and many of them were 2 year draftees too.
Glad to see some of the others post regs for your review.

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made Dec 27 at 2021 9:41 AM

2021-12-27T09:41:49-05:00

I was 3 years in the army 18 months overseas

Response by SSG Michael Davis made Dec 27 at 2021 1:39 PM

2021-12-27T13:39:18-05:00

There are literally legal definitions of what constitutes a "Veteran" at the Federal and state levels as well as in laws.

I'm not sure I understand the question.

A good place to start is whether or not a "Veteran" has a DD-214 that characterizes service. More often than not, that will satisfy the question.

A relatively small amount of time in a combat zone will punch the ticket. For the Army, meeting the requirements of a CMOH, Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device or other recognitions with shorter tours of duty will likely meet "the test" as long as you didn't do time in Leavenworth.

The answer (as usual) is that "it depends" and the details matter.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2021 2:24 PM

2021-12-27T14:24:32-05:00

The broad definition of a veteran is someone, who at one time in their life, gave Uncle Sam a blank check. He chose to cash it however he wanted. Mine was 6 years in the peacetime reserves driving forklift one week month and two weeks in the summer.

Achieving veteran status for benefits is a different story.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2021 2:49 PM

2021-12-27T14:49:10-05:00

What about someone who successfully navigated combat but then did some ty stupid and got discharged other than honorable. Similar to the Cobb character in Band of Brothers.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Dec 27 at 2021 2:53 PM

2021-12-27T14:53:47-05:00

What type of veteran are you talking? Is it combat or one who served in the military?

Response by SPC Regan Ginty made Dec 27 at 2021 2:55 PM

2021-12-27T14:55:36-05:00

A person who served in the Active Military, Reserve Component, Air/Army National Guard and who was discharged or released therefrom
under conditions other than dishonorable.

Response by SN Michael Smith made Dec 27 at 2021 7:18 PM

2021-12-27T19:18:31-05:00

I have had discussions about this as well and it seems to me that no one really knows what a "veteran" is. I have seen the definition go from "Any time in any branch of the military" to "Any time of at least 180 days after basic training" to "At least 180 days of active duty after basic training and MOS training" and then to "Any time of service in any branch including reserve or inactive reserve."
Then in 2016 H.R. 6416 was signed into law by then-President Obama that granted Veteran status to anyone that attended a military college/university for further education purposes, so these people are and are not veterans.
By some I am NOT considered a veteran while others say I am, I entered boot camp as an E-3, this was after being on delayed entry for one year and a day and other military-style training I had gone through plus my rating of MT (Polaris A3), but I was given a medical discharge from basic training (nonunion fractures in both wrists) and placed on 8 years of inactive reserves...So confusing at times.

Response by SGT Joseph Dutton made Dec 27 at 2021 9:43 PM

2021-12-27T21:43:54-05:00

A veteran is someone that has served 180 consecutive days on active duty wither still actively serving or has been discharge honorably IAW with the VA. However there is some cases that may warrant lesser days served. Then you have reservist & guardsmen/women who may have completed the 180 days but was not consecutive accumulated. Again there is another criteria for this. Over all we are all veterans wither we served CONUS / OCONUS, War / Conflict or Peace time. Even for one day because we cleared MEPS and took the Oath. Only service members that is striped of Veterans Status is the ones discharge Dishonorably (War Time) or received a BCD (Peace Time).

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Dec 27 at 2021 10:41 PM

2021-12-27T22:41:58-05:00

If you served honorably and have a DD214 and Honorable Discharge you are a veteran. I was deployed for 19 months but never served in combat. I was a draftee. No one has ever questioned my veteran status

Response by Sgt Ed Bowers made Dec 28 at 2021 10:27 AM

2021-12-28T10:27:09-05:00

If a man or woman completes basic (boot camp) they should be considered a veteran. What happens after boot camp is largely not in control of the person but where they are assigned. Some die in infantry training, though not many. That would be what I consider to be a vet.

Response by SFC Kenneth Goins made Dec 28 at 2021 2:00 PM

2021-12-28T14:00:30-05:00

A veteran as defined is "a person who has had long experience in a particular field".

This question must be asked in a particular way to get a correct answer. For example, a person can be a veteran of law enforcement or firefighting. A person that consumes a large amount of alcohol can be regarded as a veteran drinker. Brett Favre can be considered as a veteran professional football player.

I'm sure your question is in regards to being a military veteran. A military veteran is defined
as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable (Veteran's Administration).

Of course there are different criteria to be eligible to receive veterans benefits which can be found on the VA website.

Just like any other term, veteran has been thrown around and discussed; especially when somebody is trying to justify their existence in the world.

There are peacetime veterans and wartime veterans. There are veterans with 20 years of service and veterans that got injured on active duty during their first 2 months of training.

Just like everything else in the world, people use the term veteran as a way to divide one another and create enemies within the ranks.

A veteran is a veteran, plain and simple. A veteran is someone that was either voluntarily or ordered to serve in the military, either in peacetime, wartime, or both. We need to stop trying to outdo one another as veterans and support one another as veterans, no matter the circumstances that made us veterans.

Response by SMSgt Mike Wood made Dec 28 at 2021 2:48 PM

2021-12-28T14:48:12-05:00

I agree with the 45 days, especially after the conclusion of the draft. ALL of these individuals swore an oath to support and defend OUR Constitution. They did NOT say "Only in peace time". Each individual signed a contract to defend our Country, up to and including the loss of their OWN lives. THIS is a Veteran!

Response by SPC Maxine Anderson made Dec 28 at 2021 2:52 PM

2021-12-28T14:52:27-05:00

A veteran is a former member of the Armed Forces of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who served on active duty at least 180 days outside of basic combat and AIT training and was discharged under conditions, which were other than dishonorable. Persons who attended military academies are now considered veterans for financial aid purposes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2021 4:08 PM

2021-12-28T16:08:09-05:00

I consider anyone a veteran who is legally considered one.
As for COMBAT veteran, I feel that is a bit more sticky. I served in Iraq, but outside of a few mortar and rocket attacks, I was pretty safe as a fobbit. I realize that I'm a combat veteran due to my service, but I am certainly not one to emphasize that service because of friends, colleagues, etc., who actually encountered the enemy a bit more personally, if you will.

Response by SPC Tim Bowman made Dec 28 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-12-28T17:37:29-05:00

I never served in combat. But I Definitely consider myself to be an Army Veteran. I was there, ready and willing to go. I sat on the tarmac for 24 hours ready to roll when things got crazy with NK in 1976. I am indeed a Veteran.

Response by PO2 Ronnie Chandler made Dec 28 at 2021 5:42 PM

2021-12-28T17:42:52-05:00

The definition stands it's not so much as whether they were in combat or not. They stood up and said they would

Response by MSgt George Murray made Dec 28 at 2021 6:00 PM

2021-12-28T18:00:34-05:00

This question as been around a few times and that is okay because we all learn. I'm glad my friend who is a Captain USMC Jag office. She sent me this info about 8 months ago. Section 38 will answer all the questions.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3#3.1

part-3%233.1

Response by CPT Ed Burns made Dec 29 at 2021 5:35 AM

2021-12-29T05:35:59-05:00

In all of the discussions/replies I've read so far it appears that we are forgetting to include the National Guard 'veterans'. They have been tasked MANY times during the Middle East conflicts.
Thanks to a 2016 change in federal law, a National Guard member who deployed on federal active duty orders for at least 180 days, and didn't get a dishonorable discharge or a bad conduct discharge, is now considered a “veteran.”

Response by LTC William Gilmore made Dec 29 at 2021 2:49 PM

2021-12-29T14:49:33-05:00

Doesn't matter what "we" think. It matters what the Veteran's Administration says. It has long established criteria for the definition of a veteran. That's my 2 cents!

Response by Cpl Steven Contryman made Dec 29 at 2021 4:14 PM

2021-12-29T16:14:10-05:00

I consider myself a veteran (USMC 83-91 (Operation Desert Shield/Storm (ODS/S) 12-1990_04-1991) USMCR 96-98). I have had an argument with my sister about her status. She went to Boot at Paris Island. But, did not graduate due to a medical injury. She considers herself a Vet.
Thanks to all who served.

Response by Maj Dale Smith made Dec 29 at 2021 7:13 PM

2021-12-29T19:13:55-05:00

A would classify a vet as one who has served his term honorably or has a medical discharge if it is prior to the end of his enlistment.comission term. That individual had stated that he was willing to give up his life for his country from the time he raised his right hand and stated that he would; "Support and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic...".

Response by MSgt Keith Morreira made Dec 29 at 2021 7:52 PM

2021-12-29T19:52:58-05:00

Complete BMT, complete AIT/Technical training and service long enough "pay back" the training you were given.

Response by PO1 Don Hand made Dec 30 at 2021 8:59 AM

2021-12-30T08:59:54-05:00

This is a touchy subject. Yes, there is a difference betwenn "Vet" and "Combat Vet". I define "Combat Vet" as someone who while in the military was somewhere and somebody decided that it would be a swell idea to kill them. And as such they responded in kind.

But "Vet"? that one is tricky. I know a few Veterans that never deployed. Yes I know, it must be terribly embarrassing for them. But let's define, not judge. Obviously successful completion of Basic training must be complete. Completing a term of service also is obvious. But what about those who were washed out before completing or during follow on training? 90 days? 180 days?

I am certain there is a definitive legal answer, but what it boils down to is Vets know Vets. A real Vet upon hearing "I was medically... They were overmanned... I couldn't... I didn't meet..." will simply ignore and overlook and possibly even commiserate with the "vet" If it helps an almost was sleep at night, what does it hurt? It is not harmful as most rational people will realize that something is a bit off.

Now, if they are using claimed status to gain favor or advantage, then they can just burn. For example, I had a girl working for me "My boyfriend was a marine..." Oh, nifty, would love to meet him. Met him. Looked at him. He wouldn't make eye contact. She left, I told him. "No you weren't." I explained how I knew, why I knew and why he was a POS, and how disrespectful he was in clear terms.

Vets know Vets...

Response by CPO Matthew Bigelow made Dec 30 at 2021 10:00 AM

2021-12-30T10:00:30-05:00

That all depends on how one defines 'veteran.' Commonly, a veteran is anyone who has served in the uniformed military services, active or reserves, after boot camp and initial entry level job training. As such, anyone who was discharged after that, whether honorably or otherwise, would be considered a "veteran." This means that even someone with a disolhonorable discharge would be a veteran, just without any veteran's benefits. However, as others have shown, there us also the "legal" definition which is much more narrow, and obviously leaves out reservists (which I think belittled their service). However, I also believe it should include other uniformed services like border patrol, etc. Of course, not every uniformed service is military, and the common thought is that a veteran must have served in the military (a FoD component) specifically, and not from some other Department (DHS, DHHS, etc.).

It is also my thought that the Department of Veteran's Affairs should serve all veterans of any federal uniformed service (which would include uniformed Treasury personnel) federal police (including DoA, DoN, and DoAF, and the new DoSF). Why limit it to just the military? But, that's just my opinion.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Dec 30 at 2021 3:32 PM

2021-12-30T15:32:20-05:00

The Regulations:
13 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) § 125.11 provides:
Veteran has the meaning given the term in 38 U.S.C. (United States Code) 101(2). A Reservist or member of the National Guard called to Federal active duty or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or while in training status also qualify as a veteran.

38 U.S. Code Title 38— VETERANS’ BENEFITS

38 U.S.C. § 101(2) provides:
The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

38 U.S.C. § 101(21) provides:
The term “active duty” means (A) full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training;

So legally a veteran is anyone who has served on active duty, for purposes other than training. This puts people in the reserves and the National Guard in a unique non veteran status.

Further:

Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program supports and enhances the mobilization readiness of the
Reserve components. The AGR includes both National Guard (Title 32) and Reserve members
(Title 10) who serve full-time. National Guard members may establish eligibility for certain
VA benefits by performing full-time duty under either Title 32 or Title 10.

So if a National Guard member is activated under title 32, for a state "emergency" he 'becomes' a veteran.

Now normally these distinctions do not matter to me. However, over the past 10 years or so they have become important to me for the following reasons:

1. It is the job of a soldier to deploy, and if he can not deploy he should not be on active duty.
2. If you can not deploy, you can not do the job, and should not be considered a veteran. Veteran's are supposed to sign a check:
“A veteran is someone who wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life.”
3. If you did serve on active duty, in the GWOT, over more than 6 years, and did not deploy, you are one of the slimiest pieces of shit to ever serve in the military, in my opinion. And I have seen it happen. I know of a soldier who enlisted in 1990, and never stepped a single foot in a combat zone and retired in 2020.
4. If you think you deserved a parade when you came home form Vietnam, or any other conflict, your not a veteran in my opinion. We do not serve for thanks, we do not serve for recognition, we serve because we choose to be apart of something bigger than us.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefits-summary/SummaryofVANationalGuardandReserve.pdf

https://www.va.gov/OSDBU/docs/Determining-Veteran-Status.pdf.

SummaryofVANationalGuardandReserve.pdf

Response by Cpl Matt Taylor made Dec 30 at 2021 6:49 PM

2021-12-30T18:49:41-05:00

The legal definition is so loose because slimy politicians want to serve in the Guard for a couple of years and then swagger about their veteran status until they waltz into the White House. Why do you think even Hunter Biden wangled his way in?

A Veteran is someone that completed a tour of duty in a Combat Zone. Anybody else is window dressing!

Response by SSG Deron Santiny made Dec 31 at 2021 1:34 AM

2021-12-31T01:34:24-05:00

Anyone with a VALID DD-214 that served at least one full enlistment is considered a Veteran. I know that some are forced out due to medical reasons or for whatever reason as long as they have a DD-214 that says Honorable, they are considered a Veteran. Who am I to question someones service, just because I have served? Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is just what it is, their opinion. I have seen people who have lied and falsified their service and records and those are the ones who don't deserve the title but again, that is my opinion. I know a guy who failed out of Marin Corps SOI yet goes around telling people he was a Marine Corps Scout Sniper. I have seen his DD-214 where he actually deployed with a National Guard Unit as a Supply Specialist but, continues to tell people he was a Marine Sniper. In my opinion, he is a POS and I have told him so but again, that is my opinion. I can provide documentation for everything I have, orders for my CIB, Purple Heart and promotions, that doesn't make me any better than anyone else but at least if the need arises, I can prove what I have.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2021 9:55 PM

2021-12-31T21:55:08-05:00

The idea that only someone who has seen combat is a veteran is ridiculous, and extreme "gatekeeping". Lest we forget, America hasn't always been at war. My cousin served under Clinton, and it doesn't make him any less a veteran after serving for 21 years. I knew a soldier at the hospital who was desperate to get downrange. He'd been stuck, through no fault of his own, in an ER with no way to get out of his orders. He tried to switch with another soldier who didn't want to deploy, and they were denied. Another medic I knew went straight from ABN School to a medical unit on Benning running med-coverage on drop zones. Then they went to Italy AFTER 173rd got back and never did deploy--through no fault of their own. We don't get to choose our orders in the military. If we could volunteer to deploy and not be denied, that would be one thing. Those who refuse to volunteer could be looked down on. But when we all know we have no choice, that orders are orders, and bad luck happens, you can't say they weren't willing. They signed up, they trained, they served to the best of their ability. That soldiers have/haven't deployed isn't in their power. It isn't their choice. Trying to shame them for it is beyond ridiculous, not to mention the height of arrogance and "One-upping" for some kind of self-aggrandizing idiocy. I bet these Chads also shoot up steroids and think they're cool because they sat in a TOC the whole deployment and spent all their free time in the gym. I have no respect for those people.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2022 6:04 AM

2022-01-02T06:04:26-05:00

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves back in 1967. The Navy sent me to Memphis, Tennessee for Boot Camp, Aviation Fundamentals P School and Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare A School. A total of 7 months and 17 days of Active Duty for Training. Then I served the rest of my 6 year enlistment in the Active reserves. This required me to serve 2 days a month and 2 weeks a year of training for a total of 38 days a year times 5 years and 4 months. A total of 198 days for a grand total of 435 days. Since it all was Active Duty for Training I was never considered to be a Veteran. I failed my physical to get off ADUTRA back in 1967. I filed for a disability for the health problems that were caused by my service and the VA granted me 70% disability pension. Now I am considered to be a Veteran but I still have difficulty getting recognised as a Veteran when asked for a DD214. My DD214 says that my service was Active Duty For Training and I am automatically rejected.

Response by SPC William Reaves made Jan 2 at 2022 12:14 PM

2022-01-02T12:14:09-05:00

If you served and completed basic ait and got a DD214 you are a vet period if you are called to go to war so be it you trained and are ready just because you haven't served years means nothing

Response by SPC Clifton Barton made Jan 2 at 2022 1:22 PM

2022-01-02T13:22:38-05:00

You've completed a tour in a war or conflict outside the United States. I have no respect for service members who spend their entire careers stateside and sucking ddowwwn benefits as if they've done something to deserve them when they get out. You shouldn't be allowed to join the vfw unless you've deployed. VFW stands for Veterans of Foreign Wars not stateside potatoes.

Response by PO1 David Shepardson made Jan 2 at 2022 5:06 PM

2022-01-02T17:06:23-05:00

I thought it was serving for 180 days, or more.

Response by SGT M Edilson made Jan 2 at 2022 10:32 PM

2022-01-02T22:32:44-05:00

If You have a dd214,or a VA ID card, or a retired/DAV Armed forces ID card then you are a veteran, if you don't have those documents you might not be a veteran.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Jan 3 at 2022 12:09 AM

2022-01-03T00:09:34-05:00

I don't really have the answer to that question - nor do I make it any of my business (the VA oughtta know, though). All I DO know is that I am a Veteran having served my time in Nam and I fully respect any of my brothers and sisters that did the same.

Response by SPC Lee Sepulvado made Jan 3 at 2022 6:21 AM

2022-01-03T06:21:26-05:00

I went to a meeting at the VAMC in Shreveport. Announcement was made "there is no distinction between people who wore the uniform US Military". I was in regular US Army and I support that. Enough with politicians and veterans trying to divide our military according to branches of service, retirees, draftees, reservists, guardsmen, disabled veterans. I was given written orders for VietNam but they were canceled because the army found my brother was already there with the 5th Special Forces Group from Fort Bragg NC. We are all military veterans because we had a role to carry out. A role which was assigned to each of us by the US Military. God Bless America.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2022 9:31 AM

2022-01-03T09:31:48-05:00

If you took the Oath, showed up to Bootcamp, and have a DD214.

Shit's not complicated.

Will say. I'm happy with the fact that the sheer majority of answers I've already seen from every generation on here seems to basically be in the similar vain.

Response by CPL Jerry Galloway made Jan 3 at 2022 10:38 AM

2022-01-03T10:38:28-05:00

Just my 2 cent...
First off, you become a veteran when you discharge from service or change branch of service. Active and reserves/ NG alike. And received your version of the DD214 You are a veteran. I don't care what prefix you want to use.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Jan 3 at 2022 5:07 PM

2022-01-03T17:07:17-05:00

When you show your DD214 to the Lowe's manager and he sets up the military discount without question.

Response by TSgt Manuel Perez made Jan 4 at 2022 3:13 PM

2022-01-04T15:13:25-05:00

Over 180 days is what in the books, to seek VA benefits, and DD214 general and above. Www.va.gov

VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by PFC Kim Howard made Jan 7 at 2022 11:36 PM

2022-01-07T23:36:36-05:00

As far as I'm concerned, the minute you swear to defend this country, board that plane, then arrive where they issue you "this country's" uniform and graduate from BMT. You become eligible for service. Ergo, once you are honorably discharged, you become a veteran. As the SSG stated, the legal definition of a veteran is "someone who served more than 45 consecutive days in any component of the armed forces after the completion of initial entry training".
Why are we having this discussion?

Response by MSG David P. made Jan 13 at 2022 12:51 PM

2022-01-13T12:51:44-05:00

I always believed that if you wore the uniform then you were a veteran.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2022 4:01 PM

2022-01-23T16:01:15-05:00

Being both an active duty Navy Veteran for 9 years with combat duty and an Air National Guardsman for 25 years my status was clear. It was always a question that constantly came up in the Guards though. I knew members who served 30 years in the guards but never did one single day overseas or in conus tour in support of a campaign or operation. They did one weekend a month and 10-15 training days annually and that was it. In my eyes they are not Veterans even with the 20 year retirement as a Guardsman. I have only ran across a few of these types in my carreer and for the most part they were the ones that caused the most grief as leaders because they never really understood what being a Military Veteran truly meant. If you want to be considered a Veteran being a Reservist or Guardsman get yourself on a real world deployment for 45-90 consecutive days which will eliminate the Veterans status question. Or just hang around for 20 years, in the Reservers or Guards , never deploy and get Veterans status that way and a retirement check at 60 years old to go with it. If you can look in the mirror and feel good about being a Veteran that way so be it. I know I couldn't.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Jan 31 at 2022 6:29 PM

2022-01-31T18:29:33-05:00

Someone that served longer than boot camp AND was honorably discharged, regardless of reason. Anything during boot camp, anything not an honorable discharge, I don't consider a Veteran.. HOWEVER, now it may become an issue due to biden and the coercion to try and force vaccines on military members and some not giving in to the illegal mandates.

Response by SGT Martha Marden made Feb 2 at 2022 8:17 AM

2022-02-02T08:17:26-05:00

The same

Response by TSgt Charles Kelley made Feb 9 at 2022 10:18 PM

2022-02-09T22:18:07-05:00

I believe that veteran is someone who has served longer than 30 to 45 days after graduating from their Advance Training school. Some might say that they have to have been in combat or deployed, but some retirees that I have the privilege of knowing, have not been deployed!

Response by PO1 Doug Williams made Feb 11 at 2022 8:06 AM

2022-02-11T08:06:49-05:00

Definitely agree that there is a difference between veteran and combat veteran. A veteran is someone that served, is out and has a DD214.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2022 9:58 PM

2022-02-14T21:58:54-05:00

As soon as you finish boot camp during war time , your a Vet.

Response by SPC Daniel Killam made Feb 17 at 2022 12:41 AM

2022-02-17T00:41:17-05:00

A veteran is a veteran. Just don't go saying that to someone who's been in the shit. Swingin' dicks can be pretty sensitive after slappin up against each others' thighs all day.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 9 at 2022 7:33 PM

2022-03-09T19:33:40-05:00

A DD-214 pretty much answers your question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 9:40 AM

2022-03-10T09:40:16-05:00

SSG Michael Davis' reply brought up a memory.
I had a colleague (he was a tech rep when I knew him and carpooled) who had retired from the USAF and was technically a "Vietnam-Era Veteran." This was in spite of the fact that he had actually spent 4 years serving in Thailand and Vietnam during the 'police action.'
Why?
Well, he was in a flight wing that was very hush-hush and never technically deployed to Southeast Asia. Every one of his eight trips over was on a 179-day TDY/TDA and never exceeded the required 180-day in-theater requirement to receive the Vietnam Service Medal! So despite actually seeing combat as a USAF airman, getting shot at, going on a mission with special operators via Air America, and being ambushed in a convoy (among many other incidents), he never actually got credit for a combat tour!
I would consider him a combat veteran, of course, but by the US military's definition... who knows?

Response by SFC William Linnell made Mar 12 at 2022 8:47 AM

2022-03-12T08:47:14-05:00

MORNING. Here you go young Padawan. Read, print and educate others.

https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/when-are-you-considered-a-veteran/

When Are You Considered a Veteran? Everything You Should Know!

For many soon-to-be and current service members, knowing the answer to “When are you considered a veteran?” is important.

Response by WO1 Dave Middleton made Apr 2 at 2022 5:00 AM

2022-04-02T05:00:58-04:00

A Veteran is anyone who completed basic training. Combat Vets typically add the conflict they fought in including those who served in rear echelon positions. Without their efforts those in the field would not have food, ammo, or intelligence. Regardless of combat or not we are all brothers who should get along period.

Response by MSG Victor Milasus made Apr 10 at 2022 3:06 PM

2022-04-10T15:06:16-04:00

When you serve at least 180 days on active duty.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2022 6:55 PM

2022-04-12T18:55:20-04:00

Wrong. Acording to the VA you have to have served 6 months on active duty other than training.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Apr 16 at 2022 9:50 PM

2022-04-16T21:50:12-04:00

Even though the V.A. considers me to be a Veteran, when I applied for a civil service job with the DoD back in 1983 and claimed my 5pt Veteran preference. The DoD said I was not a Veteran and did not receive Veterans preference. I had originally enlisted in July 1985 and went to BCT in January 1976, and served until Nov. 1983. So go figure. The VFW considers me to be a combat Vet due to being stationed in S. Korea for six months all because the Korean Conflict has only been under a cease fire since 1953 and no peace treaty has ever been signed by the two Koreas. I was part of Operation Urgeant Fury in October '83. There are other Veteran organizations that consider me a Veteran, just not the DoD when it came to getting a DoD federal civil service job though. I did finally get the job, even though another guy also got hired on when I did and he was classed as a Veteran. He had enlisted several months before I had and was classed as a Vietnam Era Vet. Even though Vietnam ended two years prior. We both had enlisted in 1975.

Response by SSgt Jeffrey Weisman made Feb 10 at 2023 6:59 AM

2023-02-10T06:59:39-05:00

A VETERAN is a person who was in 1 of OUR U.S. ARMED FORCES 4 a minimum of 180 days!
Anything less and they might b considered veteran in training! But NOT a FULL FLEDGED VETERAN!
Always Remember:
"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!"
"ASK A VETERAN or THEIR FAMILY!"
"ASK A GOLD STAR FAMILY!"
"ASK A CURRENTLY DEPLOYED MEMBER of 1 of the U.S. ARMED FORCES!"

Response by SN Elgin Williams made Sep 24 at 2023 8:32 AM

2023-09-24T08:32:28-04:00

Like the officer said before atleast 6 months including your mandated training

Response by Sgt R Scott made Sep 25 at 2023 3:03 PM

2023-09-25T15:03:18-04:00

As a retired VSO (Veterans Service Officer) and as of 2016 you could spend 30 years in the guard or reserves and not be considered a veteran. That is if you were never federalized. If you only did your one weekend and two weeks training per year then you were NOT a veteran. I know that seems harsh but why should the ones serving part time get full time benefits and title?

Response by SN Elgin Williams made Nov 14 at 2023 3:47 PM

2023-11-14T15:47:26-05:00

I think at bare minimum after boot camp atleast 1 yr.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2023 10:04 PM

2023-11-15T22:04:59-05:00

You're right on the money.

Combat vet equals vet.

Vet does not always equal a combat vet.

Anyone else who says otherwise is just an emotional thinker.