Are retired FBI considered Veterans, or are just Military?

Question

I know that the members of the armed forces are considered Veterans but are those who protect us at home also considered Veterans? If they aren't, shouldn't they?

Thanks. I thought it was just an armed forces honor as well, but yesterday at church someone asked all of our Veterans to stand so we could recognize them for their service to our country. One who stood is a retired FBI agent, I was just curious if he stood because he was an FBI agent or if he had served in the military prior to his FBI service. I should have asked him, I know, but I didn't see him after services. I didn't really want to say the wrong thing, like, "I didn't know you were a military Veteran." And if he isn't but stood because he's FBI, I didn't want to appear insensitive. I hold those who protect us at home and abroad in high regard and thank them all for their service.

Answer 1

vet·er·an
–noun
1. a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like: a veteran of the police force; a veteran of many sports competitions.
2. a person who has served in a military force, esp. one who has fought in a war: a Vietnam veteran.
–adjective 3. (of soldiers) having had service or experience in warfare: veteran troops.
4. experienced through long service or practice; having served for a long period: a veteran member of Congress.
5. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of veterans. {1}

So, yes, in a way, they are considered veterans and should be appreciated and thanked, whenever you get the chance, not just on a day in November. However, Veteran's Day, as well as Memorial Day, is primarily meant to honor America's military veterans. "Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans." {2}

As a military veteran I think I can speak for other veterans by saying that I would never be offended if you chose to also honor the FBI, CIA, NSA, secret service, police, and fire department. Military veterans are not (usually) selfish and we don't mind sharing some of the praise with those that deserve it. So, if you really want to, thank that FBI agent you live next door to, but make sure you shake the hand of that military veteran you pass on the street and thank him for his personal sacrifices. Do not forget the fallen soldiers while thanking your local police, I think that's all military veterans would ask.

Answer 2

No. Veterans is a term that refers specifically to members or our armed forces. I think that our military is large enough that this day should honor them only.

If you do FBI, then you should include the CIA and NSA, and probably local and stated police forces too. They are far more comparable to these groups then the military.

Answer 3

No. Retired FBI agents are not veterans. Neither are retired agents of the Bureau of Alcvohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Only those who serve in the five branches of the regular forces, the reserve components of those forces and the Air and National Guard are considered veterans.
BTW, there are thousands of active, reserve and guard personnel engaged in Operation Noble Eagle which is protecting you at home. It just doesn't get much attention in the media.

Answer 4

The FBI is a government agency that is not affiliated with the military (most of the time). They are not soliders, so they cannot be veterans.

Answer 5

I will gladly thank them for the services they do for my country - but even *they* wouldn't put their organization in the same category as the members of the armed forces. (Although some of them probably were members of the armed forces at one point)

Remember them & thank them... but today is supposed to be more for the appreciation of our soldiers. (And remember - there are *five* branches of the military in the U.S.)

Answer 6

The FBI is not part of the military. They are an autonomous government agency.