Who is Considered a Gulf War Era Veteran?
The Gulf War era, which spanned from August 2, 1990, to March 11, 2003, was a tumultuous period in modern military history. The war began with the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2, 1990, and ended with the liberation of Kuwait on February 28, 1991. The era was marked by a series of military conflicts, including Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Enduring Freedom.
Definition of a Gulf War Era Veteran
A Gulf War era veteran is a military personnel who served in the United States Armed Forces during the Gulf War era. This includes military personnel who served in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the region. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines a Gulf War veteran as a veteran who:
- Served on active duty in the Armed Forces
- Served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War period (August 2, 1990, to January 11, 1991)
- Was a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any time between August 2, 1990, and July 31, 1992
Qualifying Military Service
To be considered a Gulf War era veteran, a veteran must have served in the following military branches and at the following times:
• Army: August 2, 1990, to July 31, 1992
• Navy: August 2, 1990, to September 26, 1992
• Air Force: August 2, 1990, to September 30, 1992
• Marine Corps: August 2, 1990, to November 1, 1992
• Coast Guard: August 2, 1990, to July 31, 1992
• Reserves and National Guard: Anytime between August 2, 1990, and July 31, 1992
Evidence of Qualifying Service
To prove qualifying service for Gulf War era veteran status, veterans can use a variety of documents, including:
• DD Form 214: The Department of Defense Form 214, also known as a discharge document, is typically used to prove military service.
• DD Form 215: The DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, is used to correct errors on the DD Form 214.
• Military Orders: Military orders, such as deployment orders or mobilization orders, can be used to prove qualifying service.
• Service Records: Military personnel records, including service medical records and personnel files, can be used to verify qualifying service.
Veteran Benefits
Gulf War era veterans are eligible for a range of veteran benefits, including:
- Disability Compensation: Veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards, such as oil fires and smoke, during the Gulf War can receive disability compensation for conditions related to their exposure.
- Health Care: Gulf War era veterans can receive health care through the VA, including treatment for conditions related to their military service.
- Education Benefits: Veterans can receive education benefits, such as the GI Bill, to help pay for college or vocational training.
- Home Loan Guarantees: The VA offers home loan guarantees to help Gulf War era veterans purchase, build, or improve homes.
Conclusion
Being a Gulf War era veteran is a significant honor that comes with a range of benefits and privileges. Whether you served in the military during the Gulf War or were a member of the Reserves or National Guard, you are considered a Gulf War era veteran if you served during the defined period. By understanding what it means to be a Gulf War era veteran, you can take advantage of the benefits and services available to you.