0
Does being on active duty in the national guard during the Vietnam war make you a Vietnam era vereran?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The US Dept. of Veterans Affairs changes it's policies every so often; based upon the needs of the veterans. For example, if there's not very many WWI veterans, which there are not, and far more veterans from past operations in the Middle East (aka Southwest Asia) which there are; then the VA will address those needs of the current veterans first since there are so many of them (compared to WWI as an example). During the Vietnam War, many National Guardsmen were looked upon as draft dodgers, former President George Bush Junior was looked upon that way, when he flew an F-102 Delta Dagger with the Texas AIR NATIONAL GUARD. It is true that many guardsmen enlisted to avoid regular army duty (6 yrs in the guard stationed in your home state verses 2 yrs regular army and an excellent chance to go to Vietnam); but it's also true that many guard units went to Vietnam...4 squadrons of AIR NATIONAL GUARD F-100 Super Sabre jets flew over 30,000 combat missions in Vietnam. It's also true that many USAF and USN, as well as USCG men enlisted in those branches to AVOID duty in the US Army/US Marine Corps (which meant Vietnam). There was a WAITING LIST to join the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard during the late sixties. There was also a waiting list (a clipboard which you had to put your name, address, phone number on) to join the National Guard. Therefore, in effect, servicemen in the USAF, USN, and USCG can be considered cousins to National Guardsmen, as far as the stigma of draft evasion is concerned. However, being a Guardsmen certainly was better than being an active duty Sailor or Airman. Bottom line: The war has been over for over 40 years, time has mellowed the public's perspective of the National Guard, and probably the VA too. Contact the VA and have your NGB 22 ready (National Guard Bureau discharge certificate) to respond to their questions.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
I served actve duty from 1959 to Dec 1962. I was in active reserve from 1962 to 1967. I never served in Vietnam. Am I considered a Vietnam veteran?
No, you are not considered a Vietnam veteran. To be considered a Vietnam veteran, one must have served in the Vietnam War theater of operations, which generally includes service in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia between the dates of July 26, 1959, and May 7, 1975. Since you did not serve in Vietnam, you are not considered a Vietnam veteran.
What are the benefits for national guards that served during the Vietnam War but not activated?
Not being activated and deployed was a big benefit.
Treatment of the south Vietnam by Diem during the Vietnam war?
Diem was reportedly extremely anti-communist, and any national (citizen) showing communist trends was stomped out quickly.
What was the length of service for a draftee?
During WW2, it was for the duration of the war. During Vietnam, it was 18 to 24 months active duty; with an extra 4 years of INACTIVE duty (subject to emergency call-up).
When was conscription used in Australia during the Vietnam War?
Conscription was introduced in Australia by the Holt Government due to the National Service Act passed in 1964. This continued until 1971 when Australia pulled out of the Vietnam War.
If you served during the Vietnam war in the us army reserves but were not called to active duty except for training are you considered a Vietnam era veteran?
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
Can I get benefits as a National Guardsman during the Vietnam War?
That depends how long you served and the type of discharge you received. If you are seeking veterans benefits with less than 180 active days of continous service , not likely.
What does the marine national defense stand for?
Are you talking about the National Defense Medal? If so it shows the person awarded it served on active duty during a time of conflict. Includes the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, the First Gulf War and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What medals did William Michael Coomes receive during his time in the Vietnam War?
purple heart, good conduct, national defense, Vietnam service, Vietnam campaign
I served actve duty from 1959 to Dec 1962. I was in active reserve from 1962 to 1967. I never served in Vietnam. Am I considered a Vietnam veteran?
No, you are not considered a Vietnam veteran. To be considered a Vietnam veteran, one must have served in the Vietnam War theater of operations, which generally includes service in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia between the dates of July 26, 1959, and May 7, 1975. Since you did not serve in Vietnam, you are not considered a Vietnam veteran.
Besides Kent State where did national guardsmen kill protesters during the Vietnam War?
Jackson State
Can a member of the NY National Guard during Vietnam era qualify for Legion membership?
American Legion, yes.
What are the benefits for national guards that served during the Vietnam War but not activated?
Not being activated and deployed was a big benefit.
Why is there a monument for the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a National War Memorial honoring the members of the US Armed Forces who died or are unaccounted for during the Vietnam War. It is not a monument to the Vietnam War. It is a monument to people that gave their lives serving their country.
Treatment of the south Vietnam by Diem during the Vietnam war?
Diem was reportedly extremely anti-communist, and any national (citizen) showing communist trends was stomped out quickly.
What event took place at Kent state during the Vietnam War?
college students were protesting and were shot at by the national guard.
Served in reserve during Vietnam war considered a Vietnam era veteran?
It is my best recollection that weekend warriors(National Guard and Enlisted Reserve) are not considered Viet Nam Era veterans unless they served two years of active duty during the years 1961-1974? Some sites cite 1964 as the beginning of the era and others cite different ending dates. The exception to this is if they were discharged while serving active duty for medical reasons. Active duty personnel of any branch during this era are considered Viet Nam Era veterans despite not having served in Viet Nam. This includes those stationed in Europe, the USA, and other postings as long as they were active duty. This specifically excludes weekend drills and summer camps. Some National Guard and Reserve units WERE activated and do qualify for this recognition. As someone with a serial number beginning with RA (regular army) I find it dishonest for someone who did not do the time to even think of claiming this status.
