What qualifies a National Guardsman as a veteran?

Answer 1

No. H.R. 1025 passed the House in 2012 but has not yet passed the Senate. Currently, you are only considered a veteran if you served on a Title 10 tour of duty. 99% of all National Guard active duty is served on Title 32. H.R. 1025 won't cost the government a penny, but until it becomes law, service in the National Guard does not make a person a veteran.

Answer 2

The statutory definition of veteran is quite different. If you served on active duty or you were injured while performing active or inactive duty for training in the National Guard then you are a veteran who may be entitled to federal benefits. Service in a combat zone or period of war is not a determinant of 'veteran' status under federal law. See 38 CFR 3.6 and 3.7

Answer 3

yes if the member was deployed for over 180 days of active service.

It is my understanding that they do not count active duty for training. I was in the Guard, and remember doing the same thing in basic as US and RA members did there and in AIT. Does their training time count toward the 180 days to be considered a veteran?

Answer 4

This is not easy to determine. Generally active duty service is necessary, but there are other cirecumstances that can actually make a National Guardsman eligible for Veterans Administration benefits, hence a Veteran.

See the brochure linked below for a more complete answer.

Answer 5

I served 6 years during the Vietnam conflict with an honorable discharge. Am I considered a Veteran?

Answer 6

Not exactly. Most firms and agencies look for active duty service with a DD-214 honorable discharge. National Guard is part time service that provides a NGB-22 upon discharge.

Answer 7

Of course .