Service during wartime:
- World War II - September 16, 1940 - July 25, 1947
- Korean War - June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War - August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
Service Requirements:
- At least 90 days active duty - with other than dishonorable discharge
- Less than 90 days active duty - if discharged for a service-connected disability
- Gulf War - August 2, 1990 - to be determined
Service Requirements:
- 24 months continuous active-duty - with other than dishonorable discharge
- At least 90 days or completed the full term that he or she was ordered to active duty with other than dishonorable discharge
- At least 90 days active duty - and discharged for hardship, early out, convenience of the government, reduction in force, condition interfered with duty or compensable service-connected disability
- Less than 90 days active duty - if discharged for a service-connected disability
Service during peacetime
- All - July 26, 1947 - June 26, 1950 and February 1, 1955 - August 4, 1964
- Enlisted - May 8, 1975 - September 7, 1980
- Officers - May 8, 1975 - October 16, 1981
Service Requirements:
- At least 181* days continuous active duty - with other than dishonorable discharge
- Less than 181 days active duty - if discharged for a service-connected disability
If you were separated from service:
- Enlisted - After September 7, 1980
- Officers - After October 16, 1981
Service Requirements:
- 24 months continuous active duty - with other than dishonorable discharge
- At least 181 days or completed the full term that he or she was ordered to active duty with other than dishonorable discharge
- At least 181 days active duty - and discharged for hardship, early out, convenience of the government, reduction in force, condition interfered with duty or compensable service-connected disability
- Less than 181 days active duty - if discharged for a service-connected disability.
** 90 days applies for wartime
Active-duty service personnel:
If you are now on active duty, eligibility can be established after 90 days of continuous active duty. Upon discharge or release from active duty, eligibility must be reestablished.
Selected Reserve or National Guard:
If you are not otherwise eligible and you have completed a total of six credible years* in the Selected Reserve or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills, and two-week active duty for training) and one of the following:
- Were discharged with an honorable discharge
- Were placed on the retired list
- Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service
- Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve
*Individuals who completed less than six years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability.
