Why are national guard members not considered veterans?

Why are National Guard Members Not Considered Veterans?

The National Guard is an essential component of the US military, comprised of both full-time professionals and part-time citizen-soldiers. Despite their crucial role in defending the country, National Guard members are not considered veterans by the federal government. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore the implications of this distinction.

A Brief History

The National Guard has a rich history dating back to 1664, when the first militia units were formed to protect the British colonies from Native American threats. During World War II, the National Guard played a significant role in the war effort, with many units serving overseas. However, it wasn’t until the Vietnam War that the Guard’s service became more prominent, with over 15,000 Guard members killed in action.

Definition of a Veteran

Before we examine why National Guard members aren’t considered veterans, it’s essential to define what it means to be a veteran. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a veteran is defined as:

"A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions." (38 USC §101)

Notice that the definition specifically refers to active military service. This distinction will become crucial in understanding why National Guard members are excluded from this definition.

Why Are National Guard Members Not Considered Veterans?

Despite their service to the nation, National Guard members are not considered veterans due to a technicality: they are not considered part of the active military during their state-specific deployments. Here are some key points that illustrate this distinction:

• Training and mobilization: When National Guard members are deployed, they are typically trained and mobilized by the state rather than the federal government. This means that their deployment is considered a state-mandated exercise rather than a federal order.
• Federalist system: The National Guard is subject to the direction of state governors, which is separate from the federal government. This dual allegiance creates confusion about who has jurisdiction over National Guard operations.
• Funding and organization: National Guard units are funded and organized by the state, with some limited federal support. This blend of state and federal financing creates a hybrid system that blurs the lines between active and reserve service.
• Active duty pay vs. reserve pay: Guard members receive reserve pay, not active duty pay, which reinforces the idea that their service is distinct from that of active military personnel.

Implications of the Distinction

The lack of recognition of National Guard service as equivalent to active-duty service has significant implications:

• Benefits: Guard members may not be eligible for benefits such as home loan guarantees, education assistance, and healthcare services available to active-duty veterans.
• Burial: Guard members may not receive the same burial honors or benefits as active-duty veterans.
• Recognition: The exclusion of National Guard service from the definition of veteran creates a sense of disconnection and marginalization among these service members.

Recognition Efforts

In recent years, there have been efforts to bridge the gap between National Guard and active-duty service members:

• The Frank Buckles National Guard Relief Act of 2016: This law provides disability compensation to National Guard members who became disabled while on state Active Duty.
• The National Guard Benefits Act of 2018: This law aims to extend benefits, such as healthcare and education assistance, to National Guard members.

Conclusion

The distinction between National Guard and active-duty service is rooted in technicalities related to funding, organization, and jurisdiction. While the National Guard plays a critical role in the US military, their service is often overlooked or marginalized. Recognizing the valuable contributions of National Guard members is crucial for ensuring fairness and respect for all military personnel.

Table: Comparison of National Guard and Active Duty Service

In conclusion, understanding the complex history and organizational structure of the National Guard is crucial for appreciating the nuanced distinction between their service and that of active-duty military personnel.