Military & Veteran Glossary

Full-time service in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force, including members of the Reserve components on active duty orders.

Base Realignment and Closure — the congressional process used to reorganize or close military installations.

The line of authority and responsibility from the highest-ranking officer down to the lowest enlisted member.

A grocery store on a military installation that sells items at cost plus a surcharge, available to service members, retirees, and their families.

The ability of qualified disabled military retirees to receive both military retired pay and VA disability compensation without an offset.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments — a program that restores retired pay reduced by VA waiver for eligible retirees with a VA rating of 50% or higher.

Combat-Related Special Compensation — payments to eligible retired service members with a combat-related disability.

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, the standard form verifying a veteran’s service, dates, and characterization of discharge.

A spouse, child, or other qualifying family member of a service member entitled to certain benefits.

Department of Defense — the executive department responsible for the armed forces of the United States.

A tax-free retail store on military installations (Post Exchange / Base Exchange) available to service members, retirees, and dependents.

A set of education benefit programs that help pay for college, training, and housing for service members and veterans.

Incentive and Special Pay — additional compensation for specific duties, skills, or hazardous service.

Leave and Earnings Statement — the monthly pay statement for active duty and reserve service members.

The highest U.S. military decoration, awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

Military Occupational Specialty — the code identifying a service member’s job skill, primarily used by the Army and Marines.

The online pay account system used by service members to manage pay, allowances, and tax documents.

Permanent Change of Station — a relocation of a service member to a new duty assignment.

Prisoner of War / Missing in Action — designations for service members captured or unaccounted for.

A U.S. military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in or with the military.

Members of the National Guard and Reserve forces who serve part-time but can be activated for federal duty.

A service member who has completed sufficient years of qualifying service (generally 20) and receives retired pay and benefits.

Survivor Benefit Plan — an annuity that allows retired service members to provide continued income to eligible survivors after death.

A disability that was incurred or aggravated during active military service, rated by the VA for compensation purposes.

Space Available travel — the ability of eligible travelers to fly on military aircraft when seats are not filled by passengers on orders.

Thrift Savings Plan — a federal retirement savings and investment plan available to service members.

Department of Veterans Affairs — the federal agency administering benefits, healthcare, and services for veterans.

A percentage assigned by the VA reflecting the severity of a service-connected disability, used to determine compensation.

Veterans Benefits Administration — the VA agency that administers education, home loan, insurance, and vocational benefits.

A person who served in the active military and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

A business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more veterans as verified by the VA or SBA.

Veterans Health Administration — the VA agency that provides healthcare to eligible veterans.

Veteran Service Organization — a recognized group that assists veterans with claims and represents them before the VA.

A service member or veteran wounded, ill, or injured in the line of duty, often supported by dedicated charities and programs.