Is the term Veteran used too loosely?

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:42:21 -0400

I have run into people that didn't make it through their first year in the military, and I don't believe they should mislead people to get discounts, and respect they have not earned.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 29 at 2016 5:44 PM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:44:09 -0400

How could it be too often used?

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 29 at 2016 5:57 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:57:32 -0400

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen There was/is a pretty good thread on this issue going on. Evidently the VA has a definition of Veteran for their purposes of administering benefits, medical treatment, etc. There doesn't seem to be a consensus which I could tell except to say that a person should be ready and able to elaborate a little bit on the nature of their service if politely asked, without feeling uncomfortable, or defensive to do so. Other people might make their own opinion but what matters is up to you and how you feel about it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 6:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 18:03:08 -0400

Where is the option for only after you receive a DD214?

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 29 at 2016 6:04 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 18:04:21 -0400

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen - We've had this debate on RP before. If one graduated from boot camp or their OCS equivalent, they just earned "Veteran" status. 'Nuff said.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 7:37 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 19:37:03 -0400

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen Here is the official definition:

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” This definition explains that any individual that completed a service for any branch of armed forces classifies as a veteran as long as they were not dishonorably discharged. However, with regard to applicable benefits, other considerations are important and will be covered in later sections.

Response by PFC Al Sethre made Apr 30 at 2016 12:12 AM

PFC Al Sethre — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 00:12:16 -0400

The term "veteran" is a general term for anyone that swore the oath/wore the uniform. After that you get into "xx year veteran", "combat veteran", "retired veteran", "Vietnam veteran", etc. to differentiate yourself from other veterans.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made Apr 30 at 2016 12:44 AM

MSgt Richard Rountree — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 00:44:18 -0400

I believe you omitted the correct choice. The way I understand it, 180 days on active duty makes you eligible for veteran's benefits if your discharge is not BCD or DD. If that's how the Federal gubberment defines a veteran, it's fine with me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 1:38 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 01:38:12 -0400

In my oh so short career thus far, my opinion is that once you sign the line, you do a few years, and you're ready to "Deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat", you're a veteran. Perhaps not a combat veteran, but a veteran of the Armed Forces nonetheless. Starting a family early means you might not do your 20. Getting a 6 figure civilian job means you might not make it to 20. So as long as you complete your services as a Soldier, a Leader, and a person in good standing, you should be considered a veteran.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 30 at 2016 7:49 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 19:49:44 -0400

I see it as were they employed in their MOS?