What would I be called?

Question

I was in the Army and honorably discharged. I never fought in a war and I didn't go career, so retired isn't right. So I'm not retired military and I'm not a veteran, what am I?

I always thought in order to be a veteran I had to be in a war...which I wasn't.

Answer 1

You're still a veteran--anyone who has served in this country's military is a U.S. veteran. If you were sent to war, that would mean you're a combat veteran, but that's the difference between the two. You don't have control over whether you're deployed or not, and you are still deserving of the "veteran" title.

Answer 2

You are considered a veteran. Any person who serves honorably in the military is considered a veteran. Organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars have other requirements for membership, such as campaign medals earned.

Answer 3

You are a Veteran.

Why do you think you would not be?

Some people make a distinction between Veteran and Comabt Veteran, but usually that's a matter of timing and little else.

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

Answer 4

As long as you served honorably,in my book your a veteran.
Many who are called Vietnam veterans, never left the US, but because they served during a specified time frame, they can be called such.

You serve, you qualify for VA,therefore you are a veteran.

Answer 5

you could just call yourself prior service.
However you are still considered a veteran. A veteran's def. is anyone that has served in the armed forces.

Answer 6

I would say you are a Veteran. End of comment!

Answer 7

You are a veteran.

I veteran is simply someone who has served.

Thank you for your service.

Answer 8

You're a vet. Don't feel guilty that you werer not in a war. You served honorably. That's all that really counts.