The basic definition of a veteran states that one is considered a veteran if they were a solider that served a long term, or if they were a member of the armed forces. However, for other purposes such as obtaining veteran benefits for education, the definition is more complex.
The Department of Education outlines a veteran as any individual that was a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Air Force. This individual served as active duty and received a discharge that was any type other than dishonorable. There is not a requirement for the time frame that a person served in order to be considered a veteran.
