Active duty requirement

(a) The term "active duty" shall be construed to include time served in the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard of the United States, and any officer of the United States Public Health Service detailed by proper authority with any of the foregoing, but shall not include time served in the merchant marine. (b) Applicants whose active duty consisted solely of active duty for training as Reservists or National Guardsmen (Acdutra) will not be eligible to receive the bonus benefits for such periods. Provided that if a reservist or guardsman serves in such a capacity for a period of over six months, then he may be eligible for the bonus benefits for the eligible time exceeding six months, provided he serves a minimum of nine consecutive months. (1) For example, an applicant who served six to eight months on Acdutra will not be eligible for the bonus. (2) An applicant who serves nine consecutive months Acdutra shall be eligible for three months bonus. (3) An applicant who serves separate tours of Acdutra, each in excess of nine months duration, shall receive no bonus payment for the initial six months of either tour of Acdutra. (c) If such reservist or guardsman is mobilized by executive order for a period of ninety (90) or more consecutive days, then he may be eligible for the bonus. (d) Cadets, midshipmen and other students at Service Academies will not be eligible to receive the bonus benefits for that period of time spent attending their respective academies.