Understanding Military Veteran Status: Reservists and Active Duty Requirements

Introduction

The term ldquo;veteranrdquo; applies to individuals who have served in a military capacity, but the nuances of qualifying for this status can be complex. For reservists, particularly those who have served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves, determining if they can call themselves veterans requires a thorough understanding of various definitions and requirements. In this article, we will explore the different criteria and definitions to help you determine whether you can accurately identify yourself as a U.S. Army veteran.

Defining a Veteran: State vs. Federal Standards

While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a clear definition of what constitutes a veteran, different states may have varying definitions. For instance, some states classify individuals who have served in the National Guard or Reserves as veterans, while others do not. It is crucial to check the veterans service website for your state to determine eligibility for benefits.

VA's Definition of a Veteran

The VA defines a veteran as someone who has performed active duty service, which can include:

Becoming injured or sick due to their service Being exposed to toxic chemicals during service Completing a period of active duty as ordered by U.S. Title 10 authority

For reservists or guard members, the key is being called into active duty by US Title 10 authority and completing the required period of service. Regardless of the VA's definition, your service is appreciated.

Federal Law and Benefits Eligibility

As of 2016, a federal law was enacted that allows Reserve and Guard members who have completed 20 years or more of service to also be considered veterans and receive veterans benefits. This law is outlined in Title 38 USC Chapter 101. National Guard and Reserve members who have served under 20 years may still qualify for VA benefits if they were called up under Title 10 of the US code by the president for active duty service.

Eligibility Criteria for VA Benefits

National Guard and Reserve members with at least 20 years of service: They must be discharged in a manner higher than dishonorable or bad conduct. National Guard and Reserve members who have served at least 180 days on federal active duty and receive either a higher than dishonorable or bad conduct discharge. National Guard and Reserve members who have completed 24 months of active duty (whichever is less).

It's important to note that not all military training or weekend duties count toward veteran status. The only time reservists count as veterans is when they are called to active duty by the President or the Secretary of Defense.

DD214 and Your Service Status

The DD214 is a form used to document a person's military service history, including their discharge status. If you do not possess a DD214 or are unsure what it is, then it is not considered valid for self-identification as a veteran.

Can You Call Yourself a U.S. Army Veteran?

Yes, you can call yourself a U.S. Army veteran if you served in the U.S. Army Reserves and were honorably discharged. This is regardless of the VA definition of ldquo;veteran,rdquo; as long as you completed your reserve duties and satisfied basic training requirements. Being honorably discharged is a key factor in establishing veteran status.

The Criteria for a Veteran

To be considered a veteran, military personnel must meet the following criteria:

National Guard and Reserve members: Deployed on federal active duty for at least 180 days. Received a discharge that was higher than dishonorable or bad conduct. Served at least 20 years. Received a discharge that was higher than dishonorable or bad conduct. Reserve members: Must do annual 14-day training periods to hone their skills. However, weekend duty and training meetings do not count toward veteran status.

_reserve service does not qualify for veteran status, being called to active duty does. When Reserves are on active duty, that service counts toward the time periods required for veteran status.

For more detailed information and support, visit the VA's official website or consult with a local veteran's service organization.