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National Armed Forces Day: Legal Issues and Questions for Military Personnel

By Christopher Coble, Esq. on May 17, 2019

Tomorrow is National Armed Forces Day, and to celebrate all the active and veteran servicemembers in each military branch, we've pulled together some of our answers to the most pertinent legal questions for active and retired military personnel.

Created by then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson and President Harry Truman in 1950 to celebrate the unification of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the newly created Department of Defense, National Armed Forces Day replaced individual days of remembrance for each branch. So, in that spirit of coming together, here are the most important military law issues, most frequently asked questions from veterans, and military leave laws every employer should know.

Top 5 Military Law Issues

Figuring out military leave is at the top of most servicemembers' lists, and there are some legal protections for deployed military personnel. But what about military spouses and families? You might also be wondering about the relationship between the President and Congress when it comes to the power to declare war, and how to enforce your rights as a veteran.

Obviously, getting a job when you get out of the service is a top priority, and certain job categories give preference to veterans. You may also have access to other benefits, including money for education. If you need to access the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a VA hospital, and delays in care have become far too common. Find out what you can do about it.

5 Military Leave Laws Every Employer Should Know

Employers can't discriminate against members of the military when it comes to hiring, retention, promotion, or employment benefits. But how does your leave affect seniority status and the increased pay, promotions, benefits, and pension vesting that comes with it? And what happens to your healthcare benefits during that time? And even if your boss can't fire you while you're on military leave, can they just fire you the day you get back? Find out here.

For more information on your legal rights, responsibilities, and benefits as a member of the armed forces, check out FindLaw's Military Law section, or talk to a local military lawyer.

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