Thank you for the answer!
I did just get my Veteran Affairs benefits approved starting October so I am all good now!
Also, I read California's FTB (Franchise Tax Board) instruction on residency definition (FTB Pub1031,1032), I am considered a partial/nonresident of CA since I am stationed outside of CA the whole year so it is considered an exemption: Link
Exemptions Claimed on State Tax Return
- Certain citizens living abroad/residents of another state or U.S. territory
So I don't need to worry about it anymore.
Woohoo!
