What is considered veteran status for school purposes?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 May 2021 16:22:26 -0400

Hello everyone, it's the book smart, street dumb Spc. Deployment in June got cancelled and I will be attending school, and I want to know if anyone knows exactly what criteria I have to check in order to be considered a veteran to use the early registration perks.
I have gone online, but each government website has a different answer; some say after 90 days of active days one is a veteran, and some say that it is after completion of one contract. The only active time I have is from BCT and AIT, so I'm not that counts towards the requirements.
As always, I really appreciate all the helpful information I receive here. Im very dumb when it comes to using the army benefits.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made May 12 at 2021 4:29 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Wed, 12 May 2021 16:29:14 -0400

Reservists fit a different criteria for "Veteran status." I don't recall how many, but a reservist has to serve a minimum number of days on active duty to qualify for VA care (for example), but can still get care/benefits if injuried in the line of duty.
For school purposes, the school you are applying to can answer your question. In my mind, you are a Veteran for school purposes, or at least that's what I think. The school MAY think differently, but see what they say. Since your referring to "early registration perks," be specific when you ask so they don't just think in terms of the GI Bill.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2021 4:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 May 2021 16:41:52 -0400

It's whatever the school you're applying to says. It's a perk run by the school so it's their call

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 1:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 01:39:26 -0400

Civilian organizations are typically more lax, but technically and incorrectly in the view of many Active/Guard/Reserve Veterans those in the Reserve Component don't technically achieve Veteran status until they have served 180 days on Title 10 in a non-training status. This is why deployment is desirable by many to simply achieve that title among other things. It puts to bed any room for contention.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 11:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 11:56:07 -0400

Your profile looks like you are out west in California. I don't think you are going to get to what you want out here. From what I understand you need boots on ground, and then every semester (or is it every year) you need to validate with the state school your VA status for the up coming enrollment.

I also understand that applies to your children as well (for California residents). I'm bummed not knowing this because my dad is a Vietnam vet, and I could have had free tuition the entire damn time instead of working the entire time to cover those costs (SMH).

But if you really are with the the unit in your profile you shouldn't have a problem looking for a deployment if you ask around and make it known you are interested. Maybe I guess optempo is petering downward given the new administration.