Is active military considered a veteran?

Is Active Military Considered a Veteran?

What Determines a Veteran?

The term "veteran" often evoke images of retired soldiers from past wars, proudly displaying their medals and sharing stories of duty and sacrifice. However, the definition of a veteran encompasses more than just retired combatants. In the US, a veteran is deemed to be anyone who serves in the military, as opposed to just those with honorable discharges. Understanding this distinction is crucial because it affects access to military benefits, healthcare, education, and other privileges.

What Criteria Must Be Met to Constitute a Veteran?

To qualify as a veteran, an individual must meet the following primary criteria:

• Has served in the United States Armed Forces (to include the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps) for either:

  • active duty (as currently serving) or
  • honorably discharged (following tour of duty)

• Does not have a dishonorable discharge or resignation at any time during service for moral turpitude (gross disorderly conduct, serious delinquency, or insubordination)

Active Military: Definition and Eligibility

Active military servicemembers are considered part of the United States Armed Forces. If an individual is currently actively serving, they meet both criteria above and are generally considered a veteran.

Key Points:>

• Active duties can include:
– Deployment to a combat theater
– Assignment abroad or in a hazardous working environment
– Supporting operations in a military bases or facilities
• Active military personnel have some, but not all rights and benefits, similar to retired veterans

Why the Distinction Matters

Disentangling the notion "active military" from "veteran is crucial for several reasons:

• The distinction affects eligibility for benefits: Active Servicemembers receive special pay, allowances, travel reimbursement, and access to on-base facilities, education, and healthcare. Reserve and National Guard personnel would not be eligible for non-duty benefits without a valid honorable discharge.
• The boundary influences access to civilian education and employment opportunities, as some institutions, especially government agencies, have explicit preferences for veterans, considering active military personnel differently as non-veterans if not honorably discharged within a certain timeframe.

  • Education and Education Benefits: Active Servicemembers may qualify for military-specific education programs TA (Tuition Assistance), MCAA (Montgomery GI bill), and **Reserve Officers’ Training Corporation (ROTC)***.
  • Preferred hiring practices: Government programs and private companies offer consideration to veterans, potentially not to active military personnel despite sharing similar skills and qualification.

• Recognition within the community: Designators like "veteran" or "former SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape)" bring social recognition, access, and respect, influencing interpersonal dynamics and social networks.

Conclusion

In summary, every individual serving in the American Armed Forces, including active military personnel, belongs to the category of vetran. The key question, "Is active military considered a veteran?" Answer is YES, the term "veteran" encompasses both those released from duty and those, like active military, engaging in military service.

Takeaway points:

• Clarify the distinction between reserve, national guard, and activation of reserve personnel to navigate the nuances of benefits.