Are Army Reserves Considered Veterans?
The distinction between active-duty military personnel and reserve components is not always clear-cut, and there is often confusion about what it means to be considered a veteran. In this article, we will explore whether the Army Reserves are considered veterans and what benefits come with this designation.
What is the Army Reserve?
The Army Reserve, also known as the United States Army Reserve (USAR), is a division of the United States Army that is composed of Citizen-Soldiers who work and train part-time alongside their civilian careers. Reservists typically drill once a month and attend a two-week annual training exercise, known as Annual Training (AT). The primary mission of the Army Reserve is to provide trained units and personnel to support both domestic and overseas operations, as well as to conduct homeland defense and civil support missions.
The Definition of a Veteran
The federal government defines a veteran as a person who has completed a period of active duty or service in the Uniformed Services, including:
- The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard
- The Army Reserves, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves
- The Navy Reserves and Coast Guard Reserve
- The Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
For the purposes of this article, we will focus specifically on the Army Reserves.
Types of Army Reserve Service**
There are several types of service that can be fulfilled in the Army Reserves, including:
* **Active Duty for Training (ADT)**: 30-90 days of active duty for training exercises
* **Annual Training (AT)**: Two weeks of training each year
* **Drills**: One weekend per month, typically 16-40 hours of training per year
* **Continuous Mobilization**: Ongoing service in support of homeland defense, civil support, or overseas operations
Only those who have completed Active Duty for Training (ADT) or Continuous Mobilization are considered to have served on active duty for the purposes of veteran benefits.
Eligibility for Veteran Benefits**
To be eligible for veteran benefits, an Army Reservist must:
* Have completed at least 90 days of cumulative active duty, including both Active Duty for Training (ADT) and any periods of Continuous Mobilization
* Have been **honorably discharged or separated** from the Uniformed Services
* Apply for benefits through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other veteran benefits programs
**Eligible Benefits**
Veterans who have served in the Army Reserves and meet the eligibility criteria outlined above may be eligible for a range of benefits, including:
* **Compensation**: Tax-free payment for service-connected disabilities, injuries, or illnesses
* **Education Benefits**: GI Bill benefits for tuition, fees, and stipends
* **Home Loan Guarantees**: VA-backed home loans to purchase, build, or improve a home
* **Healthcare**: Healthcare services, including medical and psychological evaluations
* **Rehabilitation and Employment Support**: Assistance with finding and retaining employment, as well as vocational rehabilitation services
* **Burial and Memorial Benefits**: Funeral honors, burial in a National Cemetery, and memorial grave markers
Prior Service Credit**
Those who have served in the Army Reserves may be eligible for prior service credit towards their military retirement and retirement benefits, regardless of the type of service they provided. This can include credits for:
* **Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions**: Contributions to the CFC, a charity campaign that supports numerous organizations and causes
* **Military education and training**: Completion of military schooling, training, and apprenticeships
* **Senior Enlisted Promotions**: Promotions to senior enlisted ranks, such as Senior Master Sergeant or Command Sergeant Major
Closing**
In conclusion, Army Reservists are indeed considered veterans, providing they have completed at least 90 days of cumulative active duty and have been **honorably discharged or separated** from the Uniformed Services. Eligibility for veteran benefits and services is determined by the VA and other veteran benefits programs, and Army Reservists may be eligible for a range of benefits and services, including compensation, education benefits, and healthcare.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Army Reservists are considered veterans if they have completed at least 90 days of cumulative active duty and have been honorably discharged or separated from the Uniformed Services
* Eligibility for veteran benefits and services is determined by the VA and other veteran benefits programs
* Army Reservists may be eligible for a range of benefits, including compensation, education benefits, and healthcare
* Prior service credit may be available for military retirement and retirement benefits
**Reserve Component Breakdown**
| Component | Active Duty | Reserve Component |
| — | — | — |
| Army | Yes | Army Reserves, Army National Guard |
| Air Force | Yes | Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard |
| Navy | Yes | Navy Reserves, Navy League |
| Marine Corps | Yes | Marine Corps Reserves |
| Coast Guard | Yes | Coast Guard Reserve |
**Reserve Components and Their Roles**
| Component | Primary Role | Auxiliary and Training Component | Notable Missions |
| — | — | — | — |
| Army Reserves | Support unit operations, homeland defense | Provide trained units and personnel for domestic and overseas missions | Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Hurricane Katrina relief |
| Air National Guard | Supplement active-duty Air Force operations, fly homeland air defense mission | Provide trained units and personnel for domestic and overseas missions | Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Air Force Reserves | Support active-duty Air Force operations, fly expeditionary airlift mission | Provide trained units and personnel for domestic and overseas missions | Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Hurricane Katrina relief |
| Navy Reserves | Supplement active-duty Navy operations, provide trained units and personnel for domestic and overseas missions | Provide trained units and personnel for domestic and overseas missions | Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom |
Note: This article has been written based on information available as of [Insert Date]. The information presented is subject to change without notice.
