Who qualifies as a veteran?

[Jason Freeland]

When I was in it was explained to me that anyone who served for six months or longer (with appropriate type of discharge) was a vet. I can't seem to find any backup for that figure, but it's what I remember.

 

[RickN]

To me, if you served you are a veteran, if you saw action you are a combat vet. The first is good, the 2nd is great as far as honor goes.

 

[Duncandl]

180 days Active Duty, not including travel, training and a few other weird rules or 1 day in a Combat Zone.

 

[Duncandl]

Also 20 years of service in the Guard or Reserves counts as well.

 

[ClintC]

When you are on Duty ie orders, you are on active duty. that be 1 weekend a month or 2 weeks a year. you are on orders and all codes of UCMJ apply.

 

[Gunbuffer]

I had never heard anything to the contrary, but I knew there were enough veterans on here with probably every type of veteran category, and would have a correct answer.

Thanks everyone, I’ll pass this on to the fellow.

I had lunch with a couple of friends today, and an interesting question came up. I couldn’t answer it, but I said that I know where I can get a good answer (hopefully).

One fellow was saying that he was not considered a veteran because during his six years in Army Reserve, he was only on active duty for training including annual camp. I said that I am pretty sure that he did not qualify for any benefits, but I thought he was still considered as a veteran.

Any thoughts?

With all the combat veterans around these days, he probably just doesn’t want to take away from those who went over and deployed.
Also I know first hand, that many vet benefits like VA loans are not available to guys who just went reserve. But he’s totally eligible for his 10% off at Lowe’s, etc.

 

[TerryMiller]

With all the combat veterans around these days, he probably just doesn’t want to take away from those who went over and deployed.
Also I know first hand, that many vet benefits like VA loans are not available to guys who just went reserve. But he’s totally eligible for his 10% off at Lowe’s, etc.

Possibly eligible also for the VA home loan benefit.

 

[John6185]

Veteran. I remember a guy who purposely screwed up and was discharged at six months and he said he didn’t care, he had college benefits. That was his intent, to meet minimum requirements and have the GI Bill.

 

[BobbyV]

I completed 28+ years in one of the uniformed services (USPHS), retired as an O-6 and have both a DD214 and veteran's ID so I'm a veteran, but I'm not a military or combat vet. I've responded to public health emergencies within the CONUS but nothing overseas, but many USPHS Officers have and continue to do so today.

 

[JokerofDeath]

A veteran is anyone who served honorably in my book….I will say that when it comes to the guard and reserves the verbiage and what not gets wonky when it comes to actual veteran status.