Is a National Guardsman a Veteran?
The question of whether a National Guardsman is a veteran is a complex one that has sparked debate and discussion among military enthusiasts and government officials alike. The answer, however, is simple: yes, a National Guardsman is considered a veteran. But before we dive into the reasons why, let’s explore the history and background of the National Guard.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve military component of the United States, composed of units of state-based militias. According to the National Guard website, the organization was created in 1903 by the Militia Act, which established the National Guard as a reserve force for the United States military. Today, the National Guard plays a crucial role in protecting the country by providing troops for domestic emergencies, humanitarian missions, and combat operations.
Who is considered a National Guardsman?
A National Guardsman is a citizen-soldier who is part-time military personnel. About 50,000 soldiers are deployed full-time, while the rest, approximately 450,000, serve part-time. National Guardsmen are volunteers who serve a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year in addition to their full-time civilian careers. They may also be activated for deployment in support of military operations or to respond to domestic emergencies.
Are National Guardsmen considered veterans?
So, what constitutes a veteran? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines a veteran as an individual who served in the active military, naval, or air service, including the National Guard, for at least 90 days of cumulative active service. Section 301 of Title 38 of the U.S. Code states that National Guard members who served in support of the active military or in a Federal service, including combat zones, are considered veterans.
The Federal Recognition Act of 1980
The Federal Recognition Act of 1980, signed by President Jimmy Carter, aimed to recognize National Guard members who served during the Vietnam War. This legislation retroactively granted full credit for National Guard service during the Vietnam era, which was previously only recognized if the individual was deployed in support of active military units. This marked a significant shift in how National Guardsmen were perceived, moving from being viewed as second-class citizens to being considered full-fledged veterans.
The Persian Gulf War and Beyond
In 1990, during the Persian Gulf War, President George H.W. Bush ordered the activation of the National Guard for federal service. This deployment marked a significant turning point in the recognition of National Guardsmen as veterans. In 1994, Congress passed the Veterans’ Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act, which included provisions to grant veterans’ benefits to National Guard members who served during the Persian Gulf War and subsequent military operations.
Table 1: Veterans’ Benefits and National Guardsmen
| Benefit | Eligible National Guardsmen |
|---|---|
| Education Benefits | Members who served 180 days of active duty, including the Persian Gulf War and post-9/11 wars |
| Medical Care | Members who served 90 days of active duty, including the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and post-9/11 wars |
| Burial Benefits | All deceased veterans, including National Guardsmen |
| Home Loan Guarantees | Members who served 181 days of active duty, including the Persian Gulf War and post-9/11 wars |
Modern-Day Activations and Recognition
Since the post-9/11 wars, the National Guard has been deployed numerous times in support of active military operations. Over 700,000 National Guardsmen have been mobilized to serve in these conflicts, many of whom have seen combat. These deployments have solidified the recognition of National Guardsmen as veterans, with the VA granting them full eligibility for veterans’ benefits and services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a National Guardsman is indeed considered a veteran. Under federal law, National Guard members who have served for at least 90 days of cumulative active service are eligible for veterans’ benefits and services. The National Guard’s contributions to domestic emergencies, humanitarian missions, and combat operations have been instrumental in shaping the course of American history. By recognizing National Guardsmen as veterans, we acknowledge the sacrifices and bravery of these citizen-soldiers, who have voluntarily put their lives on hold to serve their country.
Final Thoughts
In a 2020 report, the National Guard Bureau noted that 85% of Americans surveyed believed National Guardsmen were veterans. However, there is still confusion among the general public and some veterans’ organizations regarding the eligibility of National Guardsmen for veterans’ benefits. By educating ourselves about the role and contributions of the National Guard, we can promote a better understanding and appreciation of these dedicated citizen-soldiers. National Guardsmen are indeed veterans, and their sacrifices and service should be recognized and respected.
