When is a soldier considered a veteran?

Question

Is it when they complete their contract? After a certain amount of months/years? Do they have to go to a war/conflict to be considered one?

I'm signing up for college and the app. is asking if I'm a vet. I never went over seas long enough to be considered 'in combat' (just shy of 30 days in a hot zone). I've done 6 years in the Reserves and am currently in the IRR. Should I be checking the 'yes' or 'no' box for veteran status?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Once you have enlisted and served your country, for the amount of time you're in the armed forces, and you have retired, or have been discharged, you are a vet.  It can be in either peace or war time.  My husband is a vet from the Army and he was EOD/Bombsquad and he is a vet.

Answer 2

I would say that a soldier becomes a veteran after combat. In a time of war, upon the recieval of their first (if any) wound or after their first kill. But in the case of college applications, I would say that it's after you have served your contract to the US Army.

Answer 3

upon leaving service you're considered a vet.

you dont have to go to war to be one either....

Answer 4

You serve in any branch of the military.  You are honorably discharged.  On the day you are discharged, you are a veteran.  

War has nothing to do with it.

Answer 5

TO BE CONSIDERED A VETERAN, YOU MUST HAVE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR AT LEAST 180 DAYS. OTHERWISE, YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ANY BENEFITS OR, I AM GATHERING, CAN NOT BE LABELLED A VETERAN.

Answer 6

If order to be considered a combat vet, you must have served in a conflict.

However, you are considered a veteran of the military once you have served a minimum of 6 months and have been discharged or retired.

Specifically in your situation, you would be considered a veteran of the reserves.  

Answer 7

If you were ever in the military you are a Veteran. Depending on how long and what type discharge, you may be classed differently ie Disabled, honorably discharged, dishonorably discharged..., but all classes are still Veterans.

Answer 8

If you served in the US armed forces you are a veteran!

Answer 9

If it is asking you this for an application or a job, they are wanting to know if you are a veteran of the armed forces. If they want to know if you have been in a specific war or conflict, they will ask you that.