Sort of but not really
Cadets/Mids are somewhat 'in between'
They carry active duty ID cards are subject to the UCMJ, travel on official orders, can be called to serve in emergency situations, etc
But they are not considered active duty for retirement and longevity and if they separate from the SA for medical purposes don't necessarily qualify for VA benefits (though if injured at an SA that injury could qualify you for compensation)
A few years ago, there was an attempt to protect cadets/Mids from slipping through this crack but it didn't make it into the final legislation.
Unless things have changed, it is one of those quirky loopholes that can leave someone in a bad spot
Though I had a classmate that was allowed to graduate with a terminal illness and the chain of command made sure a defense contractor hired him immediately to provide insurance during his final months
This is a gamble, since if you are found to have something such as cancer it would be considered a pre-existing condition and thus hard/impossible/expensive to find health insurance on your own if separated. For our family, we pay one price for a family plan, and keeping DD on it while at a SA will not cost us any extra. *If she gets an appointment- which of course we're still hoping for
I had a classmate with an eye injury our 2/c year. He had surgery and it healed but he couldn't be commissioned (which he sadly found out weeks before graduation).
He was medically retired.
I wouldn't say this is the norm though.
And honestly, cadets and midshipmen should be eligible for these kinds of things. I consider it less a loophole and more a correct decision.
I'm very surprised they are not considered veterans, seems plain wrong, they're being paid as soldiers, they can be deployed as needed, really odd that should they be injured in their preparation for that duty they could be shut out.
You will be correct 98% of the time
I'm very surprised they are not considered veterans, seems plain wrong, they're being paid as soldiers, they can be deployed as needed, really odd that should they be injured in their preparation for that duty they could be shut out.
Until the very end they were trying to get him a billet. But at the last moment it was disapproved. He was able to graduate with his CGA diploma and he was medically retired. It's too bad because he really wanted that commission and would have been great.I take it he was allowed to graduate. Did he get a bill for his education?
I'm very surprised they are not considered veterans, seems plain wrong, they're being paid as soldiers, they can be deployed as needed,
Oh it's free until they commission and we all know plenty who got two free years and never "served."Just have to say one thing:
"Please, they're going to college for free" No, I don't think so. And some, maybe not all, look at it as committing to serve their country in the best way they can, not a "free" education.
As a general rule - every time you read or hear about a great benefit from the federal government - just assume that it doesn't apply to you. This will do two things for you:
1. You won't be surprised negatively
2. You will be correct 98% of the time
The possibility always looms of a Cadet/Mid finding themselves on a battlefield sooner than anticipated.
- No military academy cadet/mid has ever been deployed during a time of war.
This is a gamble, since if you are found to have something such as cancer it would be considered a pre-existing condition and thus hard/impossible/expensive to find health insurance on your own if separated. For our family, we pay one price for a family plan, and keeping DD on it while at a SA will not cost us any extra. *If she gets an appointment- which of course we're still hoping for