Are National Guard members considered veterans?

National Guard members are not considered to be veterans. However, if those members have prior service records with active components of the Armed Forces, they can be considered to be veterans.

Consideration of members of the National Guard as veterans arises from DD Form 214, which is issued to indicate completion of training or active duty. Other members of the Armed Forces also receive this form, but it is not an indicator of veteran status. Reservists called to active duty through an executive order fall under the category of veterans. Individuals within this category are eligible for benefits for veterans.