
Marine Corps
US Marines
The United States Marine Corps, also referred to as the United States Marines, is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations with the United States Navy as well as the Army and Air Force. The U.S. Marine Corps i…
Are reserves eligible for VA benefits?
Reservists who serve on active duty establish Veteran status and may be eligible for the full-range of VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and a discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable.
What are the benefits of being a marine reserve member?
This benefit is convenient for reserve members because it allows individuals to make recommendations on times that work best for them and attend classes on the weekend, attend during the evenings, or do a combination of online/in person classes. Also, for reserve marines, weekend seminars are fully funded by Marine Forces Reserve.
Are Merchant Marines eligible for VA benefits?
There are many benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), although not all programs are available for eligible Merchant Marines. Particular documents, such as a discharge certificate, may be required for Merchant Marines when applying for medical care benefits. Who Are They Merchant Marines?
Can you get VA benefits for active duty National Guard?
Active Service. Eligibility requirements for several VA benefits include a certain length of active service. Active service in the National Guard or Reserve includes: Active duty (Title 10) - full-time duty in the Armed Forces, such as unit deployment during war,including travel to andfrom such duty, except active duty for training, OR

Are Reserves eligible for VA benefits?
Generally, all Reserve and National Guard members discharged or released under conditions that are not dishonorable are eligible for some VA benefits. The length of your service, service commitment and/or your duty status may determine your eligibility for specific benefits.
Are marine Reserves considered veterans?
Veteran has the meaning given the term in 38 U.S.C. 101(2). A Reservist or member of the National Guard called to Federal active duty or disabled from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty or while in training status also qualify as a veteran.
Is a 6 year Reservist considered a veteran?
A former Reservist is not a veteran unless called to active duty. The Reserves can be called to active duty by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Approximately, 65,000 reserve troops are on active duty at any given moment, supporting military operations around the world.
Do Marines get VA benefits?
Marine veterans are eligible for many different types of VA benefits, including disability compensation, health care, pensions, and burial. Disability benefits are paid to Marines who were injured or became ill during active military service.
Are marine Reserves real Marines?
Reserve Marines maintain civilian commitments but are ready to support their Corps in major combat assignments, humanitarian efforts, and national emergencies. They are Marines and thus live up to the same standards as all Marines, regardless of duty status.
What years of service qualify for VA benefits?
Generally, you must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify. *You are also eligible if you previously completed 24 continuous months of active service prior to the date above, or received an early discharge under Section 1171 of Title 10.
What benefits do reservists get?
ARMY RESERVE BENEFITS in the Army Reserve, you'll earn money for education, cash bonuses, discounted health care, build retirement, and more. All while you pursue your civilian career or continue your education. The Army has three categories of Soldiers: Enlisted Soldiers, Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers.
Do reservists get DD214?
Air Force Reservists and Air National Guard members may expect to receive a DD 214 when retiring from their respective Air Reserve Component, but this not a qualifying event by itself. Only regular Air Force, or active duty members, will receive a DD Form 214 prior to separating.
Do reservists get military funeral?
Any person (Active, National Guard, or Reserve) who has completed at least one enlistment or other obligated military service and received an honorable discharge is eligible for Military Funeral Honors.
Are reservists veterans?
Thus former or current members of the National Guard or Reserves are not considered to be veterans unless they had prior or subsequent service with an active component of the Armed Forces. (Reservists called to active duty by Executive Order qualify as veterans.)
Who is eligible for VA benefits?
A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
Does Reserves count as military service?
A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.
Are you a veteran if you have a dd256?
The DD 256 and 257 are issued when the person has not met the active duty requirements to be considered a veteran by the DoD. But having a DD214 form doesn't automatically mean you are a veteran! What is truly bothersome is that people who have served but don't qualify as a veteran can request a DD214.
Does my Reserve time count towards active duty retirement?
Every reservist earns points toward retirement. All points earned while on active duty, up to 365 per year (366 in a leap year), count toward retirement. By law, members may receive credit for up to 60 inactive points for retirement years that ended before Sept.
Do reservists get a military funeral?
Any person (Active, National Guard, or Reserve) who has completed at least one enlistment or other obligated military service and received an honorable discharge is eligible for Military Funeral Honors.
What are the benefits of joining the Marine Corps Reserves?
Benefits discussed above include pay, officer opportunities, space-a flights, USMAP and CDET Weekend Seminars.
What Marines did Jeff serve in?
Jeff served with the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman with Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines from 1997 to 2003. 3/23 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served primarily in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Since exiting, Jeff has served as a non-profit manager in the area of foster care and adoption.
What is USMAP in the Marine Corps?
4. USMAP. USMPAP, or United Services Military Apprenticeship Program , is an opportunity for Marine Corps Reserve members to receive an apprenticeship while training for their MOS. An apprenticeship through USMAP does not usually require off-duty hours and is free to service members.
How long do you have to be on USMAP?
To be eligible to participate in USMAP individuals must be active duty or Reserve members with a minimum of one year left on current enlistment. A high school diploma or GED is required and they must be both assigned an MOS and performing the job duties of that MOS as part of your primary job, not a temporary duty.
What are the benefits of being an officer?
There are many benefits to completing school and becoming an officer. Not only does your pay/rank increase, you have new leadership skills, opportunities for higher retirement/earlier retirement, and other benefits. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, individuals will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
How long is the Warrant Officer Reserve Program?
The Warrant Officer Reserve Program is open to Sergeant or above who has at least 8 years of service and has been in the SMCR/IMA for one year or more.
Can a reserve member fly with dependents?
Unfortunately, this privilege only applies to Reserve members, not their dependents. Whenever a Reserve member is placed on active duty for over 30 days, dependents are eligible to use this benefit as well. Also, Reserve members who are placed on active duty can fly anywhere in the US, or outside of the US.
How long does the VA extend the eligibility period?
Additionally, if in the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four months for each period of active duty.
How long does the Army National Guard receive the MGIB?
Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must:
What is the Air Reserve Personnel Center?
The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) is available to assist with various personnel issues, including requests for personnel records, copies of DD Form 214, or other military documents. Many Veterans file an Air Force Board Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) or write their Congressman to get these basic issues resolved which requires that the request be routed through appropriate authorities, sometimes taking up to 180 days. Alternately, the ARPC routinely handles these actions on a much quicker basis. Members should call the ARPC for assistance at 1-800-525-0102 or logon to gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.
How long do you have to use your ING benefits after separation?
In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation.
Why do veterans have flags?
VA provides a burial flag to memorialize members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial obligation, or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or died while a member of the Selected Reserve.
How long is the National Guard's home loan guarantee?
Home Loan Guaranty. National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability.
What is the Reserve Educational Assistance Program?
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) This program provides educational assistance to members of National Guard and Reserve components who are called or ordered to active duty service in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the President or Congress.
What are the medals awarded to merchant marines?
These medals for Merchant Marines are equivalent to receiving the Medal of Honor for military veterans.
What is the honoring our WWII Merchant Mariners Act?
Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2017 (H.R.154) The Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2017 was passed by Congress to allocate a one-time payment of $25,000 to eligible Merchant Mariners who were unable to receive veterans benefits eligibility for their times served. For Merchant Marines to receive this one-time payment, ...
How many merchant marines were killed in WW2?
During World War II, it is estimated that 8,500 Merchant Marines were killed during their service while an additional 11,000 were wounded. Because of these extremely high numbers, only Merchant Marines served during this time are eligible for veterans benefits.
How can I join the Merchant Marines?
Civilians can join the Merchant Marines by enrolling and completing schooling in one of the numerous maritime academies located all over the United States. The United States Maritime Service trains officers and crew members funded by the United States Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation.
What documents are required for merchant marines?
Particular documents, such as a discharge certificate, may be required for Merchant Marines when applying for medical care benefits.
Do merchant marines get veterans benefits?
While Merchant Marines have been a vital asset to the United States military throughout every war fought, federally funded veterans benefits are only available for Merchant Marines under certain conditions. Due to legislation passed in 1988 with input from the Air Force Secretary, the only Merchant Marines eligible to receive veterans benefits ...
How long does the VA extend the eligibility period?
Additionally, if in the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four months for each period of active duty.
What is VA disability?
Disability Benefits. VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty and active duty for training as a result of injury or disease, and for disabilities due to injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training.
How long do you have to use your ING benefits after separation?
In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation.
How to contact VA about post discharge?
For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
How many years of active duty do you have to be to receive the full pay?
Members who qualify after the accumulation of three or more years aggregate active duty service receive the full payment allowable. Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, or take technical training at any approved facility.
What are the types of work that are allowed by the VA?
The types of work allowed include: • VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities. • Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care facilities.
How long does the Army National Guard receive the MGIB?
Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must:
How long do you have to serve in the National Guard to qualify for a VA loan?
Members of the National Guard or Reserve may qualify for a VA loan if they meet one of the following qualifications: Served six years in selected reserve and were either. honorably discharged.
How long can you serve in the National Guard?
Served in active duty for more than 90 days, this can either be Title 10 or Title 32 service. Discharged or released from active duty for a service-related disability. Once eligibility is determined, the Reservist or National Guard member must obtain their Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
What is VA loan 2021?
4 Feb 2021. Military.com. A VA loan is an incredible benefit for veterans or active duty service members. Unfortunately, many people who are eligible to receive this benefit aren’t aware they qualify, and most of those who aren’t aware are found in the Reserve and National Guard. Reservists and National Guard members are entitled to ...
Where to submit VA form 26-1880?
If necessary, VA Form 26-1880 can be submitted to the Atlanta Regional Loan Center online or by mail. The main difference for Reservists and National Guard members seeking a VA loan can be found in the funding fee, or the cost associated with obtaining a VA loan that helps ensure that the loan continues to require no down payment ...
What is the title of the Army National Guard?
Armed Forces and was activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code, that person qualifies for many of the same benefits provided to full-time military personnel. Reservists in this case would receive ...
Do you need a DD214 for the National Guard?
Are National Guard and Reserve Members Eligible for Veteran Benefits, and Do They Need a DD214? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the majority of National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for some VA benefits, provided they were discharged or released under honorable (or anything other than dishonorable) ...
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
How long did you serve at Camp Lejeune?
Served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. If none of the above apply to you, you may still qualify for care based on your income. Learn more about how the amount of money your family makes can affect whether you qualify for VA benefits. Learn more about income limits.
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.

Pay
Officer Opportunities
Space-A Flights
- When Military members are on active duty they have the ability to fly on space-a flights. What this means is that whenever there are Department of Defense aircraft seats that are left over after all of the space-required passengers have been accounted for, you can use them for personal travel. Generally, these flights are available to both Military members and their spouses/dependents, bu…
USMAP
- USMPAP, or United Services Military Apprenticeship Program, is an opportunity for Marine Corps Reserve members to receive an apprenticeship while training for their MOS. An apprenticeship through USMAP does not usually require off-duty hours and is free to service members. It will result in documented proof of completion.
Cdet Weekend Seminars
- Marine Corps University has nine Professional Military Education (PME) programs, of which College of Distance Education and Training (CDET), is one. CDET provides distance education programs that are accessible around the world through the use of their online learning system (MarineNet), learning resource centers and seminars. The programs provided by CDET allow res…
Reserve Benefits
- Joining the reserves, regardless of the branch has benefits. While some benefits are unique to certain military branches, there are universal benefits that can be used in all active reserves. Benefits: 1. Low-cost life insurance 2. Civilian job protection 3. Education assistance services 4. Drill pay 5. TRICARE Insurance 6. Direct Deposit
Conclusion
- The Marine Corps Reserves offers a chance to improve yourself as both a Marine and a civilian. Benefits discussed above include pay, officer opportunities, space-a flights, USMAP and CDET Weekend Seminars. By providing opportunities at officer commissioning and leadership improvement skills, the Marine Corps turns reservist into valuable assets that are desired by bot…