That depends on where you were and what you were doing. If you received any awards specifically for combat service, you certainly are considered a combat veteran. If you were assigned to units that went into combat, that will also establish it. Your DD-214 should actually reflect time in combat.
Hindsight worked well for the Jan/Feb 1991 Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Less than 200 US fatalities and the whole campaign was wrapped up in 100 hours. But then, the two US Generals running that campaign were both Vietnam veterans (Swartzkoff and Powell). All of the Vietnam veteran Generals are retired now...the new Generals that have taken their place now want to make their mark(s) on history...
{| |- | I know many people that fought in Korea. As a veteran, I often meet with them. Most veteran's groups will have such individuals. The number of World War 2 vets is shrinking rapidly, with Korean right behind. The bulk of the groups are currently Vietnam Vets. |}
Any veteran who served in the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988); Operation Desert Shield (1990); Operation Desert Storm (1991); or Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-present). Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan-2001 to present) may or may not be considered part of the "Gulf War" veteran groups...that decision will be based upon the political and financial climate of US public and administration affairs under the new incoming Presidential Administration.
Desert Storm-Gulf War (August 2, 1990 to February 28, 1991)
The cold war,The Korean War, Vietnam, War, Desert Storm, and The Iraq war.
Vietnam has no deserts.
Yes, the desert can be considered as wilderness.
No, Fairbanks is not considered a desert.
The Patagonian Desert is considered a cold desert.
Militarily: Operation Desert Storm (Jan/Feb 1991); a near perfect example of military operations: Successful mission (Iraq ejected from Kuwait); minimal casualties (less than 180 US combat fatalities); Duration/about 45 days. The US Commander was a Vietnam War veteran.
The Strzelecki Desert is considered a hot desert.
Yes, the Patagonian Desert is considered a cold desert.
Rangipo Desert !
The Namib is considered a cool coastal desert.
Hindsight worked well for the Jan/Feb 1991 Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Less than 200 US fatalities and the whole campaign was wrapped up in 100 hours. But then, the two US Generals running that campaign were both Vietnam veterans (Swartzkoff and Powell). All of the Vietnam veteran Generals are retired now...the new Generals that have taken their place now want to make their mark(s) on history...
The Thar Desert is considered a hot desert.
The Namib is considered a cool coastal desert.