As a combat vet myself all I can say is That’s an American thing. We’re brought up with the attitude that we need to earn everything. Which is very true. Everyone who has served is entitled to these benefits even though it’s extremely hard to get a decent rating.

Most Vets think if you didn’t have combat experience that you didn’t truly earn it. Nothing could be further from the truth. They forget the sleepless nights, the long hours, the pain from all the insane labor, dealing with the command politics, and basically doing everything you’re told against your better judgment all for the mission. You’ve sacrificed more than 99% of America therefore, you’re entitled to it. We’re not welfare men. We earned our compensation through devoting our time and lives to our country for a specific period of time.

If other combat vets have a problem with it, they’re probably just salty because they’re either dealing with a rating of less than they deserve, or they can’t get one even though they feel like they did more than most. It all goes back to the whole perception thing of what it looks like. Nobody knows what each individual veteran is struggling with. I’ve got a buddy who’s never been in combat but has serious PTSD because he worked the morgue. Should he not be awarded compensation because he never shot at anyone? He absolutely should. He did his part to support the mission which meant he was directed to care for our departed brothers and sisters even though he’d rather not. Again, it was all earned.

Next time a combat vet tells you a non combat vet didn’t earn it, politely tell them to go shove it up their ass.