Originally Posted by
Flying Boxes
If you have spent time on Contingency orders (location is not relevant) then they do not count against 5 year limit, but must state so on the orders or the DD214. Preferable both! I can guarantee you that contingency orders for the middle east are exempt, but I am not sure about Pacific AOR deployments. I don't think they are exempt, but do not really know.
Law Center - ROA
For clarity, this is incorrect (but a common misconception).
The nature of duty must meet the USERRA definition. It's certainly easier to demonstrate that if the orders/DD214 state it, but that's not legally necessary. It's only necessary to show that the duty meant the intent, which can usually be shown by funding/authorities.