/u/Julesagain on Got this request to go away a $100 gift card for free!

Wait 5 sec.

No you're considered "former military" if you separate with less than 20 years. "Retired military" is more than 20 years served and you get a pension based on the rank you held when you separated. Both are considered veterans. You have access to VA hospitals as a veteran, but not automatic access to military bases. You can check in and get a visitor's pass if it's an open enough base and you have legitimate reason to be there.