Are Current Military Members Considered Veterans?

The concept of a 'veteran' can be somewhat nuanced, especially when it comes to current military members. To better understand this, let's explore the definition and qualifying criteria for a veteran in both a literal and colloquial sense.

Definition and Qualification for Veterans

Strictly speaking, current members of the military are not considered veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans are defined as individuals who have served in the military and have been discharged or released from active duty. This distinction highlights the importance of a legal and administrative discharge from active duty.

In the United States

In the context of the United States, the usage of the term 'veteran' is somewhat specific. Active duty personnel generally do not refer to themselves as veterans in everyday or general contexts. However, the VA, which is a civilian rather than a military entity, does consider them veterans due to their service.

Colloquial Usage and Legal Status

Colloquially, the term 'veteran' is often used only after a person has left the service. Some exceptions exist, such as during specific deployments or in contexts that recognize their service. Military treatment facilities often collaborate with the VA to provide services that align with the veteran status.

Qualifying Criteria for Veterans

To be classified as a veteran, one must meet specific legal and administrative requirements. Here are the key criteria:

Honorably Discharged: The discharge must be honorably or with general under honorable conditions. Tokens like a fancy wall certificate are nice but not legally binding. Service Duration: Service must be completed for at least 180 days, unless exempted during the Persian Gulf War's call-ups. Discharge Types: Not all types of discharge qualify. Bad conduct, dishonorable, or dismissals by court martial or resignation in lieu of dismissal do not qualify. A discharge for entry-level separation of less than 180 days also does not qualify.

Documentation

The determining document for a veteran status is the DD-214, a document that certifies military service. Other documents like the DD-215 addendum, NGB-22 form, or similar service records for reserve component personnel are also used to confirm service.

Conclusion

The term 'veteran' has both a legal and a colloquial meaning, and the distinction between the two is crucial. While active military personnel have served and have contributed to national security, they are not legally considered veterans under the VA's criteria. However, they do receive the benefits and recognition associated with veteran status through collaborations with the VA and military treatment facilities.