As a combat veteran in the infantry non mech I do not mind to a certain extent, however when I hear some people say it to a serving , or veteran who only issued pillow cases out , or bedding does grate me.
Some joined to protect their country, some took an easier step of joining and doing a job where they never got sweaty, dirty, and just wanted the benefits . It is those veterans which I have no time for, especially since they go out and let everyone know they have served. Yes I know one first SGT who runs the ROTC at our local high school and has done nothing of note and took an easy road
All veterans serve our country. Even those who had easier duties were available for a change of duty to something risky at any time. One big difference between signing up for military service and for any other job is that a serviceman cannot quit if he/she doesn’t like it.
How would anyone know who is a combat vet from a non combat one by just running into them in public ? Those 8 guys in the rear keeping grunts supplied, transported, treated when they were wounded are just as important as the grunt humping the rifle in the bush. You can't fight if you can't get there or run out of ammo.
“As a combat veteran in the infantry non mech I do not mind to a certain extent, however when I hear some people say it to a serving , or veteran who only issued pillow cases out , or bedding does grate me.”
I’m one of those. I did 16 out of 20 years as a recruiter, and the last 12 years in my hometown. Am I any less a vet than you? There are choices I made that would have prevented me from being engaged in ground combat such as joining the Navy instead of the Marines, but sometimes, especially in the military, you play the hand you’re dealt. I can tell you that unlike some I never, ever claim to have done anything that I haven’t. I also very seldom take advantage of veteran’s benefits and do not wear any apparel that advertises my service.
So we have your bona fides (if true) and every one knows we pick and choose what the service wants us to be. I won’t bother you with my 20 years of service, because you are one of those glory hounds who embellish your time, what ever you did. So live your dream, and enjoy.