However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served “in country” and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the “in country” veterans as “Vietnam veterans” and the others as “Vietnam-era veterans”. The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans”.
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Do you have to have served in Vietnam to be a Vietnam veteran?
In association with (A) above, the Commemoration uses the term “Vietnam veteran” to describe those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location. We do NOT use the phrase “Vietnam-era veteran.”
What is the difference between a Vietnam veteran and a Vietnam era veteran?
Jim’s Reply: Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters.
Who is considered a Vietnam combat veteran?
A combat veteran is generally one who has a military record indicating they received Hostile Fire Pay, or were deployed to and served in a combat zone.
Do you have to serve in the military in Vietnam?
Citizens are dutybound to perform their military service and participate in building the all-people national defence.” The armed forces have been reduced significantly following the end of the war with in Cambodia in 1989, from about 1,2 million troops in the late 1980s to about 500,000 by 1997.
Who qualifies for the Vietnam Service Medal?
The Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) is awarded to any service member who served on temporary duty for more than 30 consecutive days, or 60 non-consecutive days, attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations or attached to or
Are all Vietnam veterans considered combat veterans?
Generally, combat veterans are those that served in a combat zone during their military service. This can include service in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and certain areas of Iraq and Afghanistan, among other locations.
Are Vietnam era veterans protected?
AM I A PROTECTED VETERAN? The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended (38 U.S.C. § 4212), prohibits discrimination against protected veterans.If you answered “no” to any of the questions, you may not be considered a protected veteran.
Are Vietnam era veterans eligible for VA benefits?
VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
How old is the average Vietnam veteran?
EsƟmated 6.4M Vietnam Era Veterans. Ages range from 97 to 55 years old (born between 1918 and 1960). Median age is 68 years. An overwhelming majority of Vietnam Veterans are male (6.2M) while in the civilian populaƟon females (47.7M) outnumber males by 20.5M.
Are you a veteran if you did not serve during wartime?
So, as long as you were on active duty, served for the minimum required number of days, and was not dishonorably discharged, you are considered a veteran and can therefore receive veteran benefits.
Do Vietnam vets get more Social Security?
In general, Vietnam veterans received more money from Social Security and retirement plans than nonveterans; nonveterans had more earnings and more investment income.
What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam?
Activated in 1915, as the 173rd Infantry Brigade, the unit saw service in World War II but is best known for its actions during the Vietnam War.
Was the Vietnam War mandatory?
Conscription during the 1960s took place under the legal authority of the peacetime draft, because the United States never formally declared war on North Vietnam.
How long did draftees serve in Vietnam?
two years
The draft was far from ideal as a source of military manpower. Because draftees served only for two years, it was not worthwhile putting them through long training programs. The technical specialties had to be filled with volunteers.
How long was a tour of duty in Vietnam?
All US military personnel serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam War were eligible for one R&R during their tour of duty (13 months for marines, 12 months for soldiers, sailors, airmen).
What makes you a Vietnam veteran?
A Vietnam veteran is someone who served in the armed forces of participating countries during the Vietnam War.The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans”.
What are the requirements to be considered a Vietnam veteran?
(1) Veteran of the Vietnam era means an eligible veteran any part of whose active military, naval, or air service was during the Vietnam era. (ii) A person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
What benefits do Vietnam veterans receive?
VA Benefits
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
How many Vietnam veterans have PTSD?
In the 1970s, a study showed that 15 percent of Vietnam War veterans developed PTSD. However, as time has gone on, that number has doubled to a staggering 30% of Vietnam veterans with PTSD, or 810,000 of the 2.7 million service members, in the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study.
Why did they call Vietnam vets baby killers?
Some people who opposed American involvement in the Vietnam War treated U.S. soldiers and veterans poorly.In some instances, antiwar protesters reportedly spit on returning veterans and called them baby-killers. Although such incidents were rare, the stories were often repeated among U.S. soldiers in Vietnam.
