I think this boils down to whether you're a "
badges? We don't need no steeenking badges..." person, or you're not.
Unlike many participants in the Cold War I managed to get myself shot at on a few occasions, but that was life in a light-blue suit on a helicopter unit. Personally I don't want any more gongs - certainly not the "Long Distance/ Undetected Crime" which I believe should be expected of every ossifer - but have no objection to those who wish to re-live past experiences in some form or other. My wife is also happy not to be reminded of the exigencies of life married to a 1970s-2000s service person
.