As a noun, a veteran is someone who has long experience in a particular activity, especially a person who has served in the military. As an adjective, it describes someone seasoned and experienced.
From Latin 'veteranus', meaning 'old, experienced, former soldier', from 'vetus' meaning 'old'. English kept both the military and the more general 'experienced person' senses.
‘Veteran’ is really about time: someone who has been through a lot, not just someone who is old. That’s why you can have a ‘veteran teacher’ or a ‘veteran gamer’ as well as a ‘war veteran’. The word quietly honors survival and accumulated skill.
“Veteran” is formally gender-neutral, but in many cultures veterans have been stereotyped as male, erasing women and gender-diverse people’s military service. Policy, benefits, and cultural narratives often centered male experiences, marginalizing others’ needs and stories.
Use “veteran” for people of any gender and avoid defaulting to ‘he’ or male imagery. When discussing veteran issues, explicitly include women and gender-diverse veterans where relevant.
["former service member","ex-service person"]
Highlight women veterans’ contributions in combat, logistics, intelligence, and leadership roles, and note ongoing efforts to recognize and support them fully.
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