Posted on Feb 13, 2015
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For awhile now, we have seen discussion after discussion debating the whole combat Veteran v. non-combat Veteran question. I have been very vocal in my stance that it really doesn't matter and to drive a wedge into our very own population only hurts the public's view of the military and what we do.
While thinking about this topic and trying to get into words a good post for this site, I came across an article written and posted on one of my favorite blogs; Task and Purpose. After reading the article several times, I feel the author captured exactly what I been thinking. As the author points out, a majority of people think that a "combat Veteran" is one that served and was within range of small arms fire. For those of that served in support of operations in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, we are all to familiar with the enemy's tactics of not engaging us in a fight where they are easily seen. Sure, we did some street to street fighting where you could point and say "There's one." But the majority of us fought unseen enemies. IEDs, indirect fire, dead animals rigged with H.E. rounds became the new face of the enemy.
So why do we keep driving a wedge between ourselves? We all, at one time in, stood up, raised our right hands, repeated the same oath and signed a blank check made out to our nation.
While thinking about this topic and trying to get into words a good post for this site, I came across an article written and posted on one of my favorite blogs; Task and Purpose. After reading the article several times, I feel the author captured exactly what I been thinking. As the author points out, a majority of people think that a "combat Veteran" is one that served and was within range of small arms fire. For those of that served in support of operations in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, we are all to familiar with the enemy's tactics of not engaging us in a fight where they are easily seen. Sure, we did some street to street fighting where you could point and say "There's one." But the majority of us fought unseen enemies. IEDs, indirect fire, dead animals rigged with H.E. rounds became the new face of the enemy.
So why do we keep driving a wedge between ourselves? We all, at one time in, stood up, raised our right hands, repeated the same oath and signed a blank check made out to our nation.
Posted in these groups: 
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Combat
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 73
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I'm retired now, but have jumped knee deep in the a$$ of the combat/non-combat discussions when I still had the stripes. NEVER tear someone else down to build yourself up. What part of leadership would that fall under? One team, one fight.
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Every single person serving in the military and retires or leas the military with an HONORABLE DISCHARGE has served HORABLY. It doesn't matter if the were in a Bradley or on a desk. Every soldier serves a purpose in war. Those who served in combat operations better thank those sitting in Washington or another CONUS Post for the bullets, uniforms, fuel and all the equipment they used in combat for without those behind the desk they would be throwing rocks at the enemy. During my time in the Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab, I insured that soldiers had the best equipment to engage the enemy with. I was the "Own The Night" Project Officer. I see my fruits of my labor on soldiers today, PVS-7B, Flip Up helmet mounts, Laser Aiming Lights and a lot more. We in the Battle Lab did a rapid procurement to get these pieces of equipment in the hands of soldiers to increase lethality and survivability. So my work palyed a big part of the success in combat operations. Was I there to use them, no but did I impact the battlefield , Yes. Was my work Honorable. I say so. You can not fight a war on foreign soil without those in the rear or in CONUS making sure the military units and soldiers are equipped for success. One can ot be successful without the other.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SSG(P) (Join to see) Check, the 180 rule applies to "being a Vet" but not to "upgrading characterization." The two pieces are separate, and are often confused.
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LTC (Join to see)
IMHO, unless you washed out or got kicked out prior to completing basic training or you got chaptered out later for some form of misconduct, you are a veteran.
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PO3 Delancey Dutton
When I took my oath as I entered the US Navy I knew that the Navy might send me someplace dangerous. I was instructed what to do if I got captured. I was shown how to shoot guns with the possible intent of offensive or defensive action. I also knew that I could be killed depending on where the Navy sent me. I took the oath anyway.
Just because I have not earned a Purple Heart, and no one in my shop got a Purple Heart does not mean we were unwilling to fight. I served in 3 hot combat zones. While my job did not include shooting at people, at any time my ship could have been targeted by torpedoes, or missiles. We went to GQ 3 times in a day sitting off Grenada because of threats in the area.
Some joined the Military for a job, some joined for the benefits, some joined for the glory. Most of us joined to serve this great country in a capacity that maximized our skills. Those that joined for glory or tradition have my respect because you joined. You start to lose respect when you try to bask in your own glory. or belittle other vets for not being as heroic as you. Hero is a title others give you. If you see a hero in the mirror you are in need of psychiatric help.
Just because I have not earned a Purple Heart, and no one in my shop got a Purple Heart does not mean we were unwilling to fight. I served in 3 hot combat zones. While my job did not include shooting at people, at any time my ship could have been targeted by torpedoes, or missiles. We went to GQ 3 times in a day sitting off Grenada because of threats in the area.
Some joined the Military for a job, some joined for the benefits, some joined for the glory. Most of us joined to serve this great country in a capacity that maximized our skills. Those that joined for glory or tradition have my respect because you joined. You start to lose respect when you try to bask in your own glory. or belittle other vets for not being as heroic as you. Hero is a title others give you. If you see a hero in the mirror you are in need of psychiatric help.
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Great discussion here. I'm glad everyone enjoyed this article. CSM Michael Lynch - Thanks for posting!
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MAJ (Join to see)
SSgt Ed Payne excellent points. I have experienced this from other vets of other wars but they usually turn out to real losers. I then smile and say congrats. The few heroes, declared so by their contemporaries, that I have met, don't usually ever resort to comparisons.
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MAJ (Join to see)
MAJ Carl Ballinger I still meet vets that think the same way about OEF and OIF. The past transgressions of VFW leadership is in the past. The VFW is a great organization that is worthy of our support.
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MAJ (Join to see)
About Fobbits, never judge a person by their proximity to the fight. I have seen people become usless when a shot is fired. I have also received air support but I know metal does fly when the pilot flaps his arms up and down. A team of people helped the pilot make that beautiful hunk of death and destruction take flight. God bless them.
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