The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

“Active military service.” Active service in any of the armed services or forces of the United States or of this Commonwealth.

“Be drafted.” To be drafted, to be ordered into active military service if a member of a reserve component of the armed forces, or in any way to enter involuntarily, or remain in active military service, or to enter voluntarily into active military service for such period as is necessary to satisfy one's draft obligation.

“Employee.” Any appointed officer or employee regularly employed by the Commonwealth, in its civil service or otherwise, or by any department, board, bureau, commission, authority, agency or office thereof, or by any political subdivision or local authority of the Commonwealth, but shall not mean any employee of any school district or vocational school district.

“Enlist.” To enlist, enroll, reenlist, or in any way voluntarily to enter or remain in active military service.

“Reserve component of the armed forces.” The United States Army Reserve, United States Navy Reserve, United States Marine Corps Reserve, United States Coast Guard Reserve, United States Air Force Reserve, Pennsylvania National Guard and Pennsylvania Air National Guard.