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Are army reserves veterans?

Are Army Reservists Veterans?

When the term "veteran" is mentioned, many people automatically think of full-time active-duty military personnel. However, reservists, including Army reservists, are also veterans. In this article, we will explore what it means to be an Army reserve veteran and highlight some of the benefits and distinctions that come with their unique military experience.

Definition of a Veteran

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To understand what it means to be an Army reserve veteran, we need to first define what a veteran is. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran is a person who:

  • Has served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions
  • Has a discharge or release status other than "dishonorable" or "bad conduct"
  • Has been declared missing in action, missing, or a prisoner of war
  • Is determined to have a serious physical or mental disability resulting from a disease or injury that was incurred or aggravated during active military service

This definition includes both active-duty and reserve personnel, making Army reservists and other reserve component members veterans just like their active-duty counterparts.

Army Reserves: What is the difference?

The Army Reserve is a subset of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, which is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Army Reserve is made up of soldiers who are part-time militiamen and women, also known as reservists. Reservists are trained in military skills and can be activated to support active-duty personnel in times of war, national emergency, or disaster.

The main differences between Army reservists and active-duty soldiers are:

Duration of Service: Army reservists serve on a part-time basis, typically one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer, while active-duty soldiers serve full-time.

Training and Education: Army reservists may receive less extensive training than active-duty soldiers, as their primary focus is on honing their skills during drilling periods.

Call-up and Deployment: Army reservists can be called up to active duty during times of war or national emergency, but deployments can be shorter and less frequent than those of active-duty personnel.

Benefits of being an Army Reserve Veteran

While Army reservists do not receive the same benefits as active-duty veterans, they are still eligible for some benefits, including:

  • Education Benefits: The GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), and the Korean GI Bill provide education benefits for Army reservists who complete their service obligations.
  • Healthcare: Army reservists are eligible for medical care through the VA Healthcare System, which offers a range of healthcare services, including mental health services.
  • Job and Career Advancement: Veterans’ Preference, a federal law, grants preference in hiring and career advancement opportunities to Army reserve veterans.

Comparison with Active-Duty Veterans

While Army reservists face some unique challenges and advantages, their experiences differ in several ways from those of active-duty veterans:

Length of Service: Active-duty veterans typically serve longer than Army reservists, which can affect the level of benefits and entitlements they receive.

Deployment and Combat Experience: Active-duty veterans often experience longer and more intense deployments, which can result in more severe physical and mental health issues.

Career Advancement: Active-duty veterans may have a head start in career advancement due to their length of service and the reputation they have earned in the military.

Conclusion

Are Army reservists veterans? Absolutely! While they serve in a different capacity and face different challenges, they are still part of the military community and eligible for many of the benefits that come with military service. As Army reservists balance their civilian and military obligations, they demonstrate a sense of duty, patriotism, and sacrifice that is deeply respected and valued in society.

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