Off google VETERAN:
1. A person with long experience of a particular activity; A person who has served in the armed forces, especially an old soldier who has seen long service; Having had long experience, practice, or service;
2. Of or relating to former members of the military armed forces, especially those who served ...
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/veteran
WRT the number plate criteria, its up to the individual if they want to go through with a Vet's plate. I don't have any issues with a 3 yr Militia member getting one, for they meet the criteria.
To criticise anyone who does IMHO is silly. Tank Recce, if you don't apply for one, thats your business. If I was a 3 yr Militia member, I would most likely get one, as I meet the criteria. Your definition of a Veteran may be different to the actual one.
Many 3 yr Militia pers have been O/S and in harms way, and many have not.
Yes, I am a Veteran, and have been in harms way, and it does not bother me with the criteria, but identifies to the public serving and former members of the CF or Allied Commonwealth Forces.
OWDU
EDIT: Gap you stole my thunder, ha!