I was let go out of Marine bootcamp due to an error on their part, which was concerning my physical health, more specifically cracked cartilage in my chest. I received a neutral discharge and received my DD214. I once got a letter from the veterans affairs office that started off, "Dear Veteran," Am I really a veteran? I didn't fight in a war but am I still a veteran?
2007-01-27 08:08:25 · 18 answers · asked by Hawaiian21 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
First off, explain what you mean by 'neutral discharge'. Do you mean a medical discharge?
Officially, and bureaucratically, you are a veteran. It is not required to serve overseas or in a combat situation to be a veteran. To everyone that is saying that combat service is required, please, stop spreading misinformation. Many of my fellow veterans were never in a combat zone, but they are still veterans, and your ignorance is insulting to them and their service. If you don't know the answer, don't make up something just to get 2 points.
Socially, especially among other military service members, you are technically a veteran, and we probably won't be bothered by your use of the term as a self-description, but you didn't finish boot camp.
But as long as you made the effort, and didn't simply give up or FTA (fail to adapt.), I, for one, don't begrudge you claiming the title. Other Marines may not see it that way, but 'officially', you were a Marine, and you are a veteran.
2007-01-27 09:13:15 · answer #1 · answered by Devil Dog '73 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
no one really responded the question requested. The question requested in case you would possibly want to be considered a veteran at the same time as nonetheless in energetic duty. The definition i chanced on stated that a veteran is a former member of the defense force, so no, energetic duty isn't considered veterans (yet)
2016-12-03 03:05:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You served in a time of war, so, maybe. To me, a 3-time Iraq and Afgan War Veteran, I'd say NO. But you do have some Veteran benefits. Go to the VA Hospital and ask them what you can recieve.
2007-01-27 17:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by eman990 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got the same kind of letter. It was about extending my SGLInsurance... I got a COG (convenience of the government) discharge a year ago because I broke my arm (elbow area) and I couldn't do the dead arm hang (the Captain explained that since I couldn't do it, they would discharge me at the convenience of the gov). I was there for 5 months but I don't consider myself a veteran. They did tell us that we HAVE to mark that we served in the military on job applications though. I do think that a Veteran is one who went to war, but also we did enlist, so who knows.
2007-01-29 22:01:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe you are a veteran as you never made it out of boot camp - the training for active duty. If everyone that failed to make it out of boot camp was a veteran - where is the achievement in that?
Check with your state Representative -they should be able to help you clear up this confusion........
"Veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
The Department of Veterans Affairs defines a veteran as one who:
1)is currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; or
2)has honorably served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least two years; or
3)is currently serving on Reserve or National Guard duty; or
4)dependents of a qualified veteran, i.e., deceased or 100%
disabled owing to service-connected causes, under Chapter 35 of the Federal Regulations.
Note: The US Department of Education defines a veteran differently for Title IV financial aid programs :
1)has engaged in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard), or was a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, and
2)was released under a condition other than dishonorable.
2007-01-27 08:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by Akkita 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you served in the armed services and have discharge papers other than Dishonorable I think you are a veteran. Call the Veteran's Administration they would be able to tell you.
2007-01-27 08:15:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
The correct wording is service of at least 9 months. This would require 9 months of service after training. This requirement came from the days of Vietnam. I am sorry to hear about your health. But you never reported to a duty station so I would have to say NO.
2007-01-27 10:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by anton_29207 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fighting in a war isn't required to be called a veteran. They get a separate title of 'VFW' veteran of a foreign war.
2007-01-27 08:18:15 · answer #8 · answered by tcbcyg 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are a veteran of the armed forces. However, I believe you need to have two years of service in to qualify for benefits.
2007-01-27 08:22:52 · answer #9 · answered by ally_oop_64 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You served in the military and have a DD214. Yes, you are a veteran, and thank you for serving your country!
2007-01-27 08:45:59 · answer #10 · answered by Deedee 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋