If I deploy to Kuwait, will I be going during a “wartime period”?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:21:30 -0400

How do I know what is considered a “wartime period” and is it specific to certain places? I understand that this is a technical term for the books and records and doesn’t accurately reflect conflict scales.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 11:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:28:30 -0400

During "Wartime Period" technically yes, will you get anything from it, no. Kuwait is not a hazardous duty location.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 12:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:39:05 -0400

Wartime Period as defined by what? The ability to get a combat patch (or whatever the Army wants to call it nowadays)? The ability to wear Overseas Service Bars on the right sleeve of your Dress Uniform? National Defense Ribbon? GOWT-E and/or GWOT-S ribbons? Or for VA Loan purposes? I'll answer each one by line?

Combat Patch and Overseas Bar: That won't happen. Nor will the Overseas Bar. The reason is that Kuwait is no longer considered a "combat zone" that warrants Eminent Danger/Danger Pay. Now, if you were sent TDY on specific 1610 Orders to another country in the AO...say Saudi Arabia (Prince Sultan Air Base), then you would qualify for the patch and pay. You would need 6 months in that country to warrant the Bar, though.

Medals: You should already have the National Defense since they haven't made a cut off date yet. You should also have the GWOT-S already. As for the GWOT-E, you should get that at the end of your tour.

VA Loan: Not sure on that one. My instinct says you would be eligible. Contact your local VA and ask them if you would qualify after you get back. This may also be explained when you MOB and/or DEMOB. If not, then simply ask someone there.

Remember, a lot of the considerations will be based on where you are located and what Operation(s) you are deploying to support.

Response by Sgt Damion Palmer made Nov 4 at 2021 1:07 PM

Sgt Damion Palmer — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:07:18 -0400

It depends

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2021 1:50 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:50:02 -0400

I will try to address what I think you're asking.
- Is Kuwait still listed as a "Warzone"? Yes.
- Will you get Hazard Duty Pay? Yes.
- Will you get Hostile Fire Pay? No.
- Will you get a combat patch? No. Unless you leave Kuwait and go to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or another authorized location, Kuwait is not eligible for the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia - Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC) formerly known as the SSI-FWTS.
- Will you get an expeditionary medal? The GWOTEM is still eligible for Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield) and Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait.
- Will you get the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal? Only if you're in Iraq or Syria, and you can't receive both the GWOTEM and the IRC, only one campaign/expeditionary medal per deployment.
- Will you receive an Overseas Service Bar? For Spartan Shield, no. For Inherent Resolve? Maybe. Make sure to check the up to date regulation. That said, you will need 6 months in an authorized location.
- Will this change anything with the VA, not sure, I would reach out to the VA.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Nov 4 at 2021 5:01 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 17:01:10 -0400

If you are only looking to see if you qualify for a VA backed mortgage, the easiest way to know is apply for a COE

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 5 at 2021 9:28 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:28:02 -0400

LOL... no.
Pictured: "War zone" apparently =o)

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Nov 5 at 2021 12:29 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:29:49 -0400

Caleb, face it. Don't beat around the bush; just ask if you will get hazard pay or hostile fire pay.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Nov 10 at 2021 10:43 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:43:13 -0500

If you attempt to use your wartime creds around others who fought in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Syria, expect lots of laughter & ridicule. I've seen Kuwait & Qatar vets set themselves up for this too many times. Those who served in shooting galleries do have a chip on our shoulders & we will let you know it too. The biggest battle in Kuwait is the line in the DFAC for the donuts & pizza.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2022 1:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:53:02 -0500

*Start* & *End* date periods have been established for different conflicts. And —> then there = the *bipartisan* approved Legion Act (@ link) which states “...the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941...”

https://www.legion.org/membership/246557/legion-act-signed-law

LEGION Act signed into law

President Trump signs bill that honors 1,600 veterans from previously undeclared war eras and opens American Legion eligibility and benefits to 6 million potential new members.