Would I be considered a combat veteran just for being in the combat zones, without ever having to participate in combat?

SPC William Sloan — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:49:01 -0400

I served in desert shield/storm as an army cook for a tank battalion. I never had to participate in any combat myself but was in the combat zones. Would I be considered a combat veteran just for being in the combat zones?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2021 7:56 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:56:49 -0400

Yes, you are a Combat Veteran of Desert Storm.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 17 at 2021 8:10 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:10:29 -0400

Every base camp perimeter is a front line in modern warfare.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 17 at 2021 8:24 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:24:20 -0400

Yes, remember every time you went to the FEBA with mermites of chow, you were on the line.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 17 at 2021 9:24 AM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:24:06 -0400

Yep.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 17 at 2021 9:30 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:30:16 -0400

It's pretty straight forward. To be a "Combat vet" you must have at least one one of the following:
- Combat Action Ribbon (USMC/USN)
- Combat Action Badge, Combat Medic badge, Combat Infantryman Badge (Army)
- Combat Action Medal (Air Force)
- Any award for valor or a Purple Heart (any branch).

EDIT: This is not the legal definition, and I am aware of that. This is merely the "comon sense" definition.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Mar 17 at 2021 10:08 AM

MAJ Ron Peery — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:08:05 -0400

I was a signal officer in the 1st ID in the first Gulf War. I never fired a shot. I was always forward of the battalion, and often forward of the division. I watched a tank battle at night. I was shot at three times. Once by our own artillery, once by some ragged looking Iraqis, and once by some benighted soul in a heavy fog in Northern Kuwait. I was a combat vet. You woke up in the morning, not knowing if you were going to be shot at while you fed the troops. You ran the same risks as I. No question. You're a combat vet.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 17 at 2021 11:10 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:10:57 -0400

It really depends on why you are asking / for what you are trying to qualify.

As far as the VA or really any civilian agency, to include VFW, and other "combat" veteran's organizations are concerned, yes you are a combat vet. You deployed and performed you mission in the combat zone.

As far as describing your "status" or "service" for any job applications, friends and family, interviews, government forms, or government benefits questionnaires are concerned, yes you are a combat vet. You deployed and performed you mission in the combat zone.

As far as buying a round at the local bar, to include the VFW is concerned, yes you are a combat vet. You deployed and performed you mission in the combat zone.

As far as discussing actual combat, tactics, situations, and "no shit there I was" stories, NO you are not a combat vet, because you did not actually see combat.

As far as 90% of the military and veteran community is concerned, yes you are a combat vet. You deployed and performed you mission in the combat zone.

As far as 10% of the military and veteran community is concerned - almost everyone of them with a "gate keeper" mentality - NO you are not a combat vet, because you did not actually see combat.

At least for recent vets - older vets seem to be of the 10% opinion in higher percentages. But I would guess this is also because the older vets were in more conventional warfare - even the Vietnam vets - that had more clearly defined front lines and more clearly defined "enemy" forces, which greatly limited the "battlefield." In today's asymmetric warfare the battlefield extends to all corners and no MOS or location is safe. Desert Storm, I feel (and I was not there - before my time, I was still in HS) is more of the former, with more traditional war. I have a feeling your peers (Desert Storm vets) would have a slight higher tendency (15% or so) to say "not a combat vet."

BUT... all of that about what others think is REALLY irrelevant, except for three categories:
What does the government think (for giving benefits)? Yes
What does the VA think? Yes
What do YOU think? ___?____

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made Mar 17 at 2021 11:44 AM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 11:44:00 -0400

Simple answer. Yes. Anyone tells you otherwise, i.e. badge protectors, tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine.

Response by SFC James Corona made Mar 17 at 2021 4:12 PM

SFC James Corona — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:12:46 -0400

There should be Army Ribbons for soldiers that designate combat
"in country" and combat engagement.

Response by SSgt Eddie Albert made Mar 17 at 2021 6:03 PM

SSgt Eddie Albert — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:03:53 -0400

Did the Army give you a CAR (Combat Action Ribbon)?
If one of those iraqi missiles flew over head it sounds like they should have.

Response by SPC Charles Sloat made Mar 18 at 2021 7:04 AM

SPC Charles Sloat — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:04:16 -0400

Yes! You are a combat veteran.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 18 at 2021 11:30 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:30:28 -0400

If you were at a FOB and had to deal with IDF, your a Vet. Leave the wire in a free fire zone is the same, you just didn’t have to fight a battle. But the very real chance was there too, you sign your name you take a chance. The way things are now in you ever set foot in Afghanistan or Iraq your a combat Vet, and no place is really safe. The risk was and still is there.

Response by SFC David Johnson made Mar 18 at 2021 12:08 PM

SFC David Johnson — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:08:28 -0400

Yep

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Mar 18 at 2021 8:08 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 20:08:27 -0400

Short answer - Yes. You were there where you could have been shot at or killed. You are a combat vet.

Response by SGT Frank-John Limiero made Mar 20 at 2021 12:57 PM

SGT Frank-John Limiero — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:57:21 -0400

How much of a combat warfighter is that. A pot and a spoon can't kill those trying to kill you. Thanks for the meals real war fighters never get to eat.

Response by SGT Frank-John Limiero made Mar 26 at 2021 9:27 AM

SGT Frank-John Limiero — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:27:47 -0400

You decide if you were a combatant. Many who weren’t wish they were for the glory sake...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 9:42 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:42:43 -0400

This is a unique distinction. When we say combat vet it usually implies we were on combat. Just about everyone believes that a combat vet was in actual combat. That's not always the case. I think the Army did a better job at this when they made "C" device on ribbons for those that serviced in combat. If you were serving in today's Army under the same circumstance then you would have got the "C" device. Now I would caution to dispel anyone that thinks you were in gun fights. I have known some Soldiers that boosted of service and let others believe that they were more engaged in combat than what actually happened.
https://www.army.mil/article/184881/new_combat_related_devices_authorized_for_decorations

The V device worn on Army Commendation Medal and other awards, stands for

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2021 10:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:09:27 -0400

If you were in a combat zone, you are a combat veteran. It doesn't matter if you fired a shot or ever saw an enemy combatant.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 26 at 2021 1:11 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:11:39 -0400

You are considered a combat Vet. One Team, One Fight.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 26 at 2021 8:42 PM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 20:42:17 -0400

Here is the long and short of it. Did you have orders that placed you with the unit that was in the combat zone? If so and you served with that unit, whether you saw combat or not, you are a combat veteran. Anyone that says different needs to back their BS up with a regulation that is current.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Apr 5 at 2021 11:01 AM

SrA James Cannon — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:01:56 -0400

This link has information on what the VA considers to be a combat veteran: https://fight4vets.com/how-can-i-tell-if-im-a-combat-veteran/ . Some states have more or less restrictive defintions. The gist of it is that is that the main 3 ways to determine combat veteran status are:
*If you received a combat service medal
*If you received hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay, or tax benefits
*If you received military service documentation that documents combat theater

How Can I Tell if I'm a Combat Veteran? | Eligibility Explained

To learn whether you may be eligible for combat veterans' disability benefits, get in touch with our firm today.

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Apr 5 at 2021 10:52 PM

CSM Tim Bebus — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 22:52:13 -0400

Very simple answer is Yes. Don't sell your service short.

Response by SPC William Wilson made Apr 6 at 2021 12:41 AM

SPC William Wilson — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:41:25 -0400

Yes you would.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2021 11:29 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:29:31 -0400

In whose eyes? In the eyes of those with common sense? Yes. Sadly if you don't have it on your DD214...then you are not in the eys of VA or the Army.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Apr 7 at 2021 8:06 AM

1SG James Kelly — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:06:02 -0400

Talked me into it you silver tonged little devil.

:)

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 8 at 2021 10:15 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 10:15:47 -0400

"What is combat" is becoming ridiculous. Soon you won't be considered a vet if you weren't close enough to throw a grenade and hit the enemy.
You served. Thank you.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 8 at 2021 11:33 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:33:46 -0400

I am not and I even took care of Taliban and Al Quida wounded under armed guard. I leave the title of combat vet to those that saw combat.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 8 at 2021 3:00 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:00:56 -0400

Maybe I'm wrong for saying this, but you're a combat veteran if you've deployed to a combat zone (not a staging area). All because you did the job you signed on for and NOT the first job of a soldier (shoot, move, and communicate) does not lessen the fact that you were in a combat zone. During my 1st deployment, my FECC was an 18-member section. Only one of us faced combat. ME! The other 17 were safe at almost all times on the FOB or CAMP. But they still did their jobs in a combat zone. Hence, combat veterans.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2021 3:41 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:41:58 -0400

I was an E-8 when I first deployed to a combat zone (Kuwait in 2002.) I carried a weapon and ammo, but I was not allowed to fire it, not that I ever saw a live enemy.

An iraqi Seersucker missile was fired at Camp Doha early one morning. (This is what the media was improperly reporting as a Silkworm missile.) Because it's primitive radar looks for the tallest thing in the area, it homed in on a radio tower near a theater in Kuwait City, passing over Camp Doha. I had to calm down some panicked people who kept saying, "We're gonna die!"

Later at Camp Victory, Iraq, I went to the latrine about 2 AM and was shot at. The bullet passed over my head, sounding like the largest and maddest hornet in the world. It took me 20 minutes to get my “business” done.

As time went on I was shelled and fired at more times than I can count. I quit counting when I reached 40, and I still had 5 more years in combat zones to serve.

Because of age and rank, I was basically a Fobbit, although not by choice. I was assigned a mission and I accomplished it. I kept my people alive, morale up, fed, supplied, and everything else I was supposed to do.

Some people actually engaged in combat and some of these resent that others didn't have to experience what they experienced. Just because they experienced more results, more fear, more direct action than you did doesn't mean you aren't a combat vet. If we really wanted to play this game, everyone would have to add up every time they were hit and every time they killed or wounded an enemy, minus those times they fired and missed, and then compared those numbers. Then we would have an absolute ranking of who was a combat vet and by how much.

SPC William Sloan, you are the only one who has to be satisfied with your service. I think you are a combat vet, but what does that matter? The only opinion you should be concerned about is the guy in the shaving mirror. Anyone who says otherwise is just butthurt because they think they deserve more respect.

EVERYONE who puts on the uniform signs the blank check and puts their life on the line, and that's worthy of respect. Everyone who served in a war zone is a combat vet, even if they were on a ship hundreds of miles away from the shooting and never heard a shot fired in anger. (I admit, I personally wouldn't call myself a combat vet if that had been my service, but the point is, if you are authorized a combat patch for service in a combat zone, you are a combat vet. That's what the RULES say, and not some butthurt's opinion.)

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 8 at 2021 7:03 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:03:19 -0400

Are you almost pregnant? A veteran of the Gulf War or the Viet Name Conflict--YES. Combat Veteran--NO. Many veterans who worn the "ribbon" were not in the theater of operation; however, they supported the conflict/war from a location outside the combat zone.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 8 at 2021 8:57 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:57:51 -0400

I would assume that 80% of “Vietnam Vets” did the same jobs they did in the states. I recall traffic jams that went on for miles full of trucks with stuff that had nothing to do with the war. I had an abject fear of crowds and avoided clusters and cluster fucks whenever I could.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Apr 9 at 2021 2:04 AM

SSG Bill McCoy — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 02:04:40 -0400

Simple answer? If you drew what we used to call "combat pay," or what I think is now called just, "hazard pay," (I could be wrong) .. then yes - you'd legally (ethically?) be a combat veteran. Morally? Only you and your buddies would know. Put it this way, a lot of guys who served in Vietnam were killed there and never knew it - they died years later, and still are. AGENT ORANGE. To me, they are ALL combat veterans.
Keep it simple though. Anyone, boots on the ground (or aircraft over hostile territory; or ships in harm's way) in my time, is a "Vietnam Veteran." Those who were not, are "Vietnam ERA Veterans." It's only a distinction and neither was/is more important than the other.
In your case, you are an Iraq (or Afghan) Veteran; NOT an Iraq/Afghan ERA Veteran.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 9 at 2021 3:46 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 03:46:26 -0400

SPC William Sloan All Things are Relative! I'm a Member of the Past Commanders Club of the Kansas VFW. Desert Storm, Desert Strike Veteran. Served on the Nuclear Cruiser USS Arkansas CGN-41 TAD during Desert Storm, Ship's Company for Desert Strike. The Mighty Ark had More Weapons that Carter's had Little Blue Pills. No One in their Sane Mind ever Fired on Pig Boat!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2021 6:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:16:07 -0400

The answer to your question might be best answered by reminding yourself which Combat Patch / Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Former Wartime Service / Combat Service Identification Badge / Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Military Operations in Hostile Conditions / Whatever they are going to call it in another 10 years are you authorized to wear.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Apr 9 at 2021 10:45 AM

SFC Terry Bryant — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 10:45:24 -0400

Yes yes and yes. Being a cook in a COMBAT ZONE does not shield you from mortars or even stray enemy fire. You should have also got the designation though blanket awards for being overseas during an active war. So don't necessarily think yourself not worthy of thee distinction of being a combat Veteran. There are a lot of KIA cooks, supply and other non combat jobs in the Military that would agree. Case in point: One of my very good friends in Iraq who was a vehicle mechanic...one of the vehicles he was in got mortared by one of many mortars that came over the line on a daily basis. He never set foot outside the wire. Hope this clears things up for you. Oh and don't listen to the guys who step foot outside the wire every day and let them convince you to the contrary.

Response by PO1 John F. Johnson made Apr 9 at 2021 11:52 AM

PO1 John F. Johnson — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:52:53 -0400

Whatever the regs say for the award it what you go by. Any other answer is absolute hogwash.

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Apr 9 at 2021 11:48 PM

SPC Robert Hendrickson — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 23:48:54 -0400

if your unit was stationed within the zone(s) of the combat hotspots, without a doubt yes. even tho your bullet(s) did not fire to hit the ENEMY, if in doubt ask Human Resources unit or HQ's, to be sure..

Response by SGT Frank-John Limiero made Apr 11 at 2021 12:55 PM

SGT Frank-John Limiero — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 12:55:50 -0400

I have the utmost respect for all those who entered the military. Having served in actual combat my interpretation of that means means a war fighter. Many writers here have a different idea of those who laid back supporting a warfighter and those that did the actual fighting. Regulations have given much glory to those many. Not my idea of a Combat Vet. Unless you were a war fighter who played your part in engagement with an enemy, fired on or was fired at, received wounds, fought alongside a follow combatants, unintentionally caught in friendly fire, saw the remains of your deceased brothers and closed their eyes after their demise, all the regulations mean little to those who yearned to do the job they couldn't or didn't.. Let yourself be the one to decide if you were really a COMBAT VET!

Response by COL John Power made Apr 15 at 2021 1:51 PM

COL John Power — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:51:20 -0400

Of course. Why is this even a question?

Response by SGT Frank-John Limiero made Apr 16 at 2021 10:51 AM

SGT Frank-John Limiero — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:51:18 -0400

Regulations say yes but as a war fighter I say no.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 16 at 2021 11:01 AM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:01:44 -0400

You were there. 'Nuff said. Thank you for your service, and serving chow. Not glamorous but essential to military operations.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Apr 19 at 2021 1:49 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:49:59 -0400

Yes because you deployed and you did your job. I, on the other hand, was a Lance Missile Crewmember and part of V Corps. I did not deploy and stayed to protect the posts on roving patrols and at the gates. No combat patch on my right shoulder for me, certainly no ribbons, no medals, no combat experience whatsoever.

Response by SSgt Paul Murray made Apr 23 at 2021 3:30 PM

SSgt Paul Murray — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:30:33 -0400

If you have the ribbons associated with a foreign combat deployment...yes.
As of this time Korea is even considered a combat zone since they never signed a peace treaty only a truce.

Response by MSG Terry Lingle made May 1 at 2021 3:38 PM

MSG Terry Lingle — Sat, 01 May 2021 15:38:46 -0400

I served in Korea in 1969 on the DMZ with an Infantry battalion and received combat pay during that battalion’s regular rotation there. I was a clerk in the battalion S-1 and didn’t go on patrols or serve on any of the guard posts. I have never been shot at nor have I fired my assigned weapon in anything other than qualification or familiarization. I have never been in a firefight nor feared that I might be. I am not and would never claim to be a combat veteran.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2021 5:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 May 2021 17:48:06 -0400

The definition of "participate in combat". There are a lot of things that a SM can go through that is pretty much only native to combat zones. Like having to put on all of your gear and run to a bunker because of a rocket just hit the base and more are incoming, helping send out attack helicopters to find whoever is firing rockets at the base, helping offload a helicopter that contains burned up bloody bodies, being a guard watch for dead bodies so in coming CIA can come to identify whether one of the dead bodies was the "number 2 guy" or not. etc etc etc...

Take a guess how I know all these are possible combat zones ;)

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made May 10 at 2021 12:30 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:30:36 -0400

The answer to that is yes. If you were in a combat theater regardless if you participated in combat or not, you are a combat veteran. Hope this helps.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2021 5:24 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:24:44 -0400

No! I’m in the same boat from both Iraq and Afghanistan but would never consider myself a combat vet. I’ve been on the receiving end of rockets and ballistic missiles but that’s not combat.

Response by SPC Barbara Wright made May 18 at 2021 9:53 AM

SPC Barbara Wright — Tue, 18 May 2021 09:53:27 -0400

Yes you are a combat Soldier, why would you question that? You were there, you deployed there. Be proud you served and thank GOD you made it back safe. Do not let anybody tell you different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2021 11:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:24:57 -0400

The way I see it, if you served in a combat zone there was a chance you could've seen some type of combat, whether it be a mortar attack, an IED attack or an all out gun battle. The possibility was there even if you got lucky and didn't see any. So if you have a combat patch then yes, you're a combat veteran.

Response by SSG Jack Scott made May 19 at 2021 9:53 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Wed, 19 May 2021 21:53:09 -0400

I served as a Marine in Beirut, Desert Shield/Storm and later as US Soldier in Afghanistan. I hated my assignment in Desert Shield/Storm. As an Amtrac’er AAV’s my Company was assigned to the 4th Marine Brigade our mission feint operations in the Northern Gulf to confuse Iraqi forces. Our mission was Successful in tying up the Republican Guard in the North wondering where thousands of Marines were going to land. The mission SUCKED all we did was these fake Assault landing operations pick up a move and do it again. Gen Schwarzkopf even pointed us out on his big map during a news brief as a job well done. I hated the mission and wanted to be in the sand with the rest of my Marines from 2nd AAV BN supporting the grunts by fire. But we all have our orders in War and play a part large or small.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2021 2:21 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 May 2021 02:21:46 -0400

Yes

Response by TSgt George Austin made Jun 7 at 2021 3:10 PM

TSgt George Austin — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:10:09 -0400

YES!! If not, only plots would ever be considered combat vets in the Air Force. The southeast Asia ribbon means the whole area it covers. Rockets and missiles go hundreds of miles. If you were in Italy, no. Any place where the SEA ribbon counts would do.

Response by SA Albert Conner made Jun 8 at 2021 6:35 AM

SA Albert Conner — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 06:35:56 -0400

If you wasvin the zone of combat then you're a soldier of combat

Response by CPT Jose A “Tony” Fernandez made Jun 8 at 2021 10:58 AM

CPT Jose A “Tony” Fernandez — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:58:55 -0400

Yes!! You were an INTEGRAL component that moved “The Big Wheel” of combat! YOU WERE IN THE THICK of it All! You are a combat vet, brother! Thank you for all you do.

Response by PFC Matt Ochmanski made Jun 14 at 2021 11:14 AM

PFC Matt Ochmanski — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:14:02 -0400

You never went out of the the wire, you never, shot a round, but you were there! On the front lines or in the rear with the gear feeding our brothers and sisters! You were boots on the ground in a Hazardous duty area/Combat Zone! Welcome to Suck. We all did our job where every we got sent! You’re lucky you weren’t in a convoy to the frontlines to assist with feeding frontline troops and having to setup under fire! You sir were in a area that had combat actions in your area of operation, Combat Veteran!

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Jun 15 at 2021 3:32 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:32:29 -0400

If you are a member of a unit deployed in a designated combat zone ,and receive combat pay ,you are a combat veteran.That's my take on the subject.

Response by SPC Daniel Dresen made Jun 27 at 2021 8:43 PM

SPC Daniel Dresen — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:43:56 -0400

If you deployed to an area where you received hostile fire pay and we were engaged in combat operations, regardless of if you personally were engaged in said operations... you are legally a combat veteran. I spent my first tour in Kuwait... no active combat. My second tour... I can now say I've had shit shot at me. I have the CAB as proof. Don't sell your experience and contributions short.

Response by SPC Joe Cornell made Jul 9 at 2021 6:05 AM

SPC Joe Cornell — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 06:05:53 -0400

I fought with this question too for a long time as I was all the way forward with 1st infantry...but my job was food supply to the cooks and soldiers ...we dealt with the headcounts of the diff parts of the division as the moved and travelled with the units and sometimes to the units and sometimes ahead of the units in staging areas issuing food and bottled water and anything else we could get our hands on through supply lines

Response by 1LT David Preston made Jul 13 at 2021 11:37 AM

1LT David Preston — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:37:17 -0400

You are a veteran (a man or woman who served in the military) who served in a combat zone and as many people have already pointed out, when you wake up every day you have no idea whether what will happen. Did you earn a Combat Infantryman Badge? No, just as you don't earn Aiborne wings if you don't at least make the 5 jumps and pass the school.

IMHO (In My Humble Opinion), the people who try to pull themselves up by pulling others down-civilian or military-don't understand that the way to increase pride one's pride, is to do things you are proud of. The way to increase one's joy, is to do more of the things that give you joy, amd less of those that do not. The way to decrease depression, is to empty rhe overflowing cup of depression that comes from two things: a hyper-focus on the past that you cannot change at the expense of you "no a" amd your future, and giving a flying fig what other people hhink of you and the choices you made in your life.

I read once that in order to be combat effective,, every combat service member needs 5 or 6 support soldiers, Marines, Coasties, Sailors, or Airmen (Airpersons?) doing there just just as efficiently and proficiently. YOU sir, made that infantryman or tankers job possible: you and the countless others small-minded, unhappy people try who try to make themselves feel better...by making you,, and me,, and the rest of is feel "less than."

I'm also a Desert Storm Army veteran who went back to get my Masters in clinical social work at 56 so I could help decrease that society and self-imposed pain, shame, and judgement countless veterans struggle with from every service and every time period. The biggest lesson I have learned in MT studies and my practice is that the definition of PTSD (reference only here, not suggesting you have it) is participating in, OR witnessing, OR Hearing about life-threatening events. Not everyone experiences PTSD from military service, Amymore than everyone who is in a car accident can never drive a car again. What really counts is to remember you did your best, with the resources you had available, each and every day you served.

Soing that, in a combat theater of operations, is my textbook definition of a combat veteran.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jul 14 at 2021 11:04 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 11:04:04 -0400

Yes, if you were over there assigned for 1 day or 30 days*, (at 30 for sure) and you should have the SSAM-South-West- Asia service medal (aka Gulf War Medal)- the default medal for being there. Should be on your 214. That is what the gov 1st recognizes for gov/VA purposes.

* depends on your duty classification.

I assume you were a unit cook there for the duration, so yea you're a Gulf War Vet, medal or not, but the medal(on a 214 and/or orders for it) or at least pay/deploment orders is "proof" so to speak.
Also , if you got authorization to wear a Div combat patch, well guess what, you would be considered by default, a combat vet as well.

If you don't have the medal, IMO you could probably get one/or orders for it, if you have/get supporting documentation(orders for it/pay records/deployment orders) and go though the VA. to tack on/amend your 214.(note: this info is all kinda fuzzy as its been 30 years since my time in, and 20+ years since I dealt with any records issues.

People who didn't make it to the sand-box, and stayed in the USA or elswhere during Desert Storm/Shield received the "Warm Body Award- National Defence Medal- Making them Gulf War-Era Vets but not actually Gulf War Vets. (my info is for US Army -might vary some for other services)

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2021 11:45 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 11:45:52 -0400

Were you fired upon by an enemy, and did you return fire? That's called combat. No Marines get a Combat Action Ribbon unless these conditions are met. Not a textbook legal answer but the bottom line.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jul 14 at 2021 6:24 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 18:24:28 -0400

Why ask me? You were there, i wasn’t. Put the patch on. If someone asks, tell them what unit you were in. Beyond that they are being nosy.

Response by COL John Power made Jul 21 at 2021 11:51 AM

COL John Power — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:51:42 -0400

Of course!

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jul 23 at 2021 2:01 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 14:01:21 -0400

Yuppers! You are a Gulf War Veteran!

Response by SFC Charles Kauffman made Jul 25 at 2021 11:49 AM

SFC Charles Kauffman — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 11:49:25 -0400

While I don’t want to minimize ANY veterans’ service, I do get irritated at those who come back hollering PTSD and they were never really in any danger, while there were those of us who went outside the wire on a daily basis. Places like Bagram were just like any stateside post, while places like the Korengal valley were not. I’d be careful throwing around claims of being a “combat veteran “, you might just get called out. Just being in a combat zone doesn’t make you a combat veteran.

Response by SFC Dr. Jesus Garcia-Arce, Psy.D made Aug 4 at 2021 6:58 PM

SFC Dr. Jesus Garcia-Arce, Psy.D — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 18:58:55 -0400

Yes is it, if you being in combat zone you will be in danger zone even if you havent participate in any combat. I know a friend of mine he was in Irak and was hit by EID but never shooting anybody. He is a combat vet

Response by GySgt Marc Dickerson made Aug 18 at 2021 5:29 PM

GySgt Marc Dickerson — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:29:59 -0400

No, you are not a combat vet. You are a 'wanna-be' looking for justification.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Sep 5 at 2021 1:26 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 13:26:45 -0400

I was an aircraft fuel handler with the 4th ID in Iraq in 2003. Didn't fire a shot, and I was also awarded a Bronze Star. So yes I am a combat veteran because I was in that theater. You are a combat veteran because you served in that war zone.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Sep 22 at 2021 1:51 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:51:48 -0400

Well, Specialist, I'm going to pass your question along to some guys you may have served with. I belong to a group of tankers spanning from the 60's through your time and even more current. Heck, one of my many duties in Germany was BN Mess Officer. Army moves on it's stomach, or so it's said. If my comrades consider you a combat veteran, I will too.

Response by COL Jim Lincoln made Sep 26 at 2021 9:10 PM

COL Jim Lincoln — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:10:57 -0400

your case and question wold apply to about 3/4ths of those who "deployed" or served in a theater in combat,even going back to Vietnam. You and all the others wear a patch on your right shoulder designating they served in a combat zone/theater-wear it with pride-no shots fired necessary. All endured some hardships and some exposure to dangers of combat.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Sep 27 at 2021 3:27 AM

CPO Jack De Merit — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 03:27:00 -0400

If you were in a combat zone, it was for a reason which is usually to fight. be thankful that you did not need to. That still makes you a combat veteran.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2022 6:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:39:15 -0400

Let’s see here. You were in the United States Army. Someone put a piece of paper in your hand that had some information on it like your name, rank, SSN, and unit. That piece of paper then stated something like on or about a certain date, you would proceed to a certain location. That location was a designated combat zone. You in fact went to said location. You performed your assigned duties and fulfilled your responsibilities. Yup. Combat veteran.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 21 at 2022 7:37 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:37:32 -0400

Of course, you don’t need to be a firefight to be a vet, or lobbing shells. Your in a forward area you were likely rocketed and mortared a few times a week. Sucks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2022 10:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 22:50:29 -0400

If you were shot at or took idf then I'd say yeah. If you're like me however and never left the wire or took any form of fire then I'd say no. I heard firefights happening outside of Camp Taji Iraq (2019) and heard outgoing artillery but we never took any incoming fire so I don't believe I'd qualify as a combat veteran. I do believe I qualify as global war on terror veteran though technically.

Response by SFC David Johnson made Mar 22 at 2022 8:36 AM

SFC David Johnson — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 08:36:37 -0400

Yep

Response by SGT Charles Whited made Apr 12 at 2022 10:44 PM

SGT Charles Whited — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:44:36 -0400

I was supporting the 24th d-toc as a commo lineman some 18 miles off the neutral/ Iraq border.
Out going artillery is reassuring, but the first time you feel incoming shaking the ground is life changing.
You shared the same fears as your brothers in arms.