A recently signed law gives official veteran status to National Guard members who served 20 years or more. Previously, Guard members were considered veterans only if they served 180 days or more in a federal status outside of training. Also, anyone eligible for reserve component retirement benefits is considered a veteran. The change in status, however, does not entitle Guard members to any additional retirement benefits. Read more on Military.com.
For more on veteran benefits, visit the Military.com Benefits Center.
