Veteran's ID [Archive] - PPRuNe Forums

judge11

30th Sep 2018, 17:08

From the horse's mouth, so to speak. Of any potential use (some discounts from sympathetic retailers/suppliers would be usefu)l:Gavin Williamson announces new package of support for veterans, includes Veterans ID CardThe Defence Secretary says the Government will set veterans up for success "because they deserve it".

"More than this we want to celebrate everything they have done to keep our families and communities safe," he says. "So we will introduce the new Veterans ID Card for all our service leavers. It will give them the recognition they deserve and help them if they ever need to seek support for housing, health or work."

isaneng

30th Sep 2018, 17:24

Ok where to start...
Define 'veteran'...

Ex-servicemen?
No disrespect, that term is meant to cover both sexes, call it service personnel if you wish.

Ok, we all know that covers a huuuuuuge spectrum of involvement, risk, effort etc.

Do ALL qualify?

What about my mate, a copper. Now I haven't read the attachment, so if it was covered, sorry. He ran teams breaking into drug houses. Do he and his team qualify?

Do we want to mention firemen, nurses, coastguard, HMP, etc. All of whom face risk and danger. I know I have missed some, I'm sorry.

And yet I don't think that any of this is actually that important.

It's about national Psyche.

We are a traditionally reserved people. We tend not to congratulate or thank people easily. Until we do, and I am not convinced it is necessary, this may well be devisive.

So, and with no desire to be unappreciative, kinda 'Thanks but no thanks?'......

Obviously that's personal, but I can, by logic, speak only for myself.

isaneng

30th Sep 2018, 17:26

Sorry chaps, Sunday evening, perhaps I should have put the malt down before typing.....

MPN11

30th Sep 2018, 17:39

we do reasonably free speech here, isaneng ... from my POV, taken as meant! ;)

As to the "Card" ... if it means anything, instead of just a gesture, I'm all for it. But it will COST. My RAFA "Retired Service Card" say I was Military already, so what is this supposed too actually achieve?

I'd best stop chittering and read the details!

Dougie M

30th Sep 2018, 18:34

I never found that a veteran's card/badge afforded me any benefits at all until setting foot on a P&O liner for a cruise when a credible proof of service bought £75 worth of drinking vouchers. The mysteriously lost F1250 which surfaced years later was worth a headache or two. Veterans card, if it qualifies, bring it on!

isaneng

30th Sep 2018, 18:48

Dougie,

We have a few hours together on Albert.
Ok, you got me, free drinks,....yeah!!!!!!

MPN11

30th Sep 2018, 18:53

I used to be able to blag Mil Discount in stores in the USA until they tightened up. Do we really imagine that UK retailers will be so keen to say “Thank you for your service”? I severely doubt it!

Pontius Navigator

30th Sep 2018, 19:55

You may buy a Defence Discount Card at just £4.99 and valid for 5 years. It is now the only proof that P&O will accept for on-board credit. All Carnival cruise computer give on-board credit. The card gives you discounts in many places. Some discounts can be quite significant.

The DDC is available to widows and MOD Civil Servants (not retired), and like the veterans ' badge, even a day's service counts.

Regarding the OP, what about the . . . Sorry, this is the Ministry of Defence. If the police want recognition lobby the Home Office etc, etc

Bugs to forty

30th Sep 2018, 21:07

Try bluelightcard.co.uk. It’s virtually the same as DDC and we all qualify whether currently serving or veteran. As the title suggests, this is also available to Police, Fire, Ambulance etc. Costs £4.99 but accepted in lots of places. Sales pitch over!

Pontius Navigator

1st Oct 2018, 07:19

BTF, quite, horses for courses, though why stores don't advertise 10% off everything all the time☺

Dan Gerous

1st Oct 2018, 08:37

Never understood this need to be recognised and rewarded just for being ex military. You, me, we were all paid, nobody forced us to join in the first place, although I do remember the shock when the Falklands broke out, when some people suddenly realised they may have to actually go to war.

Pontius Navigator

1st Oct 2018, 10:50

Dan, the answer is you are probably too young. Look at those WW2 veterans, many just chucked their medals in a drawer or let the kids play with them. Now, with the war reduced to TV and Hollywood they are the remaining living history. Even now many don't remember the Cold War and for many civilians the terror. Maybe not constant fear but fearful never the less.

Another more subtle use for veterans ID as in the discount cards is advertising. The more people showing these cards will advertise the presence of quite ordinary people in the community.

Quite when a simple Veterans ID would be useful however is questionable. What happened to the PM's great idea of displaying it on your driving licence? I also remember when you did NOT show Armed Forces in your passport. I imagine there are places where you do not want to show an ID.

Nigerian Expat Outlaw

1st Oct 2018, 10:53

Pontius Navigator

1st Oct 2018, 11:04

NEO, I have a card and it works. I think it is novelty value. It is supposedly to give me priority, within medical need, and only in relation to my service related disabilities. When it worked for me was unrelated in A&E. The receptionist were busy nattering. Their conversation was more important; there was a 4 hour wait so I could waiting until they were ready.

I snappy the card on the counter; I was seen by a consultant within an hour☺

ian16th

1st Oct 2018, 12:33

I also remember when you did NOT show Armed Forces in your passport. I imagine there are places where you do not want to show an ID.

I was a 'Government Official', even after demob. Then the passport ran out and I had to get a new one.

I often wonder if at renewal, I'd lied, would anyone have checked?

5aday

1st Oct 2018, 16:29

I think it is all so simple. If it saves me any money at all - great and it's all so simple. If you are offered but want to decline yours you've guessed it- it's all so simple. Nobody really cares if you want one or you don't,
but in all honesty, why bother bleating about it. It's all so simple.

Pontius Navigator

1st Oct 2018, 16:46

We had to change ours to Government Service.

brakedwell

1st Oct 2018, 20:10

We had to change ours to Government Service.

Not sure Government Service is a good handle on a Passport. In January 1975 I flew an IAS Britannia 312F on a change of plan LOT charter from Cairo to Warsaw. After shutting down a Polish Army corporal arrived in the flight deck behind a lethal looking automatic rifle shouting passerports, passerports! After we handed them over the F/E, who had only been out of the RAF for two months, exclaimed: “Oh sh*t, I’m still a Government Official in my passport!” Fortunately the (rather plump) LOT charter lady who was looking after us realised our dilemma and managed to recover all the crew passports before they were handed to officialdom - on condition we stocked up with vodka in the duty free shop, so she could join the crew party during our nightstop in the airport hotel.

glad rag

1st Oct 2018, 22:28

ExMaintainer

1st Oct 2018, 23:29

Good Luck with that.
When i was in uniform, it was the norm to be charged 10% Extra for everything and in some cases be denied services, because i was a service man.
Obviously things have changed. Maybe.
Ex.

212man

2nd Oct 2018, 04:21

Just looked up the requirements for the DDS card:

HM Armed Forces Veteran - Any member that has served in HM Armed Forces for 24 hours or more

glad that clears up the definition!

Pontius Navigator

2nd Oct 2018, 09:49

212man and adult members of the ATC!

NutLoose

2nd Oct 2018, 10:04

As we are on about discounts for anyone engineer related in the RAF or Ex, you may be unaware Halfords do a trade card that can save a fair bit of money, only flaw is you do not know until you pay at the till.

see

https://www.halfords.com/advice/motoring/trade-card/trade-card

The Trade Card is available to all UK residents aged 18 or over and who are in mechanical or engineering professions, tradespeople (builders, plumbers etc) driving instructors and taxi drivers.

https://i1.adis.ws/i/washford/tradecard-landingpage-hero-060918?qlt=95

CISAtSea

2nd Oct 2018, 11:15

No-one appears to have considered one possible factor behind the veteran's card concept; that of the US support for their veterans. This used to give access to such things as military medical facilities and education (My knowledge is not very current); a significant benefit given the civilian cost of these services in the US. The equivalent services come free, or very much more cheaply, here in the UK. If one factors this in, all we are left with is a second DDS card. The only other use it would have is for claiming priority over civilian service users and are we really that precious?

Tankertrashnav

2nd Oct 2018, 23:50

I am with isaneng.I dont want a penny discount because I formerly served in HM Forces. He lists many people who are at least as deserving as "veterans" but receive no such favourable treatment. If any ex service people are in financial distress they should certainly be looked after, but please dont include those of us who are not in need. And I certainly dont ever want anyone to "thank me for my service". Save that for the poor buggers who had their legs blown off in Afghanistan or are suffering from PTSD. Someone said I dont need to have one, but shouldnt bleat about it. Sorry, but JB is all about bleating, and I just think the whole thing is a bit tacky, so I feel quite entitled to bleat

P & N - do you not see the irony of praising the virtues of your card because it gets you some sort of discount on cruises?

Pontius Navigator

3rd Oct 2018, 08:55

TTN, why? I am with 5aday.

If you are suggesting my being able to afford a cruise means I don't need a discount?

Consider this:

In an organisation to which I belong we can claim certain expenses which are funded by the members ' subscriptions. Now one person does not claim his expenses as his contribution to the organisation. Ultimately it means that each members subscription may be a few pence less.

OTOH I claimed every penny due. I was refunded a few months later. As my expenses had been paid from current cash I had no need of the refund. I paid the money directly to our charity account with a beneficent chancellor adding 25%.

I told the other, by not claiming his expenses, that he was reducing his ability to contribute to our charity.

The same principle applies to any discounts I can get.

Tankertrashnav

3rd Oct 2018, 09:32

If you are suggesting my being able to afford a cruise means I don't need a discount?

Well yes I am. If you can afford to go on a cruise (I can too, although cruises are not my choice of a holiday) by definition you don't need a discount.

My point is that, rich or poor, why should we be offered discounts by virtue of our military service? As isaneng says we are no more entitled than many other groups, but I would extend his list of police, fire service etc. I could argue that someone who has swept the streets or collected the bins for 40 years has made an equal contribution to the public good as people like us who sat in the back of an aircraft and flew to interesting places at HM's expense. And yes I know some people's military experiences were far worse than that, but I don't need to be included with them so that I can get the discounts that maybe they deserve

Fat chance of there being a street sweepers' or dustbin collectors' discount card.

Pontius Navigator

3rd Oct 2018, 12:10

Fat chance of there being a street sweepers' or dustbin collectors' discount card.
You might be surprised. We just learnt about a blue light card and engineers discount, no doubt other trades bodies and unions too.

As it happens I forewent my 10% at Topps in favour of my tiler's 15%.

bafanguy

3rd Oct 2018, 12:14

Belonging to AARP (I don't) gets one discounts for just being old:

https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/info-2017/know-your-benefits-photo.html

taxydual

3rd Oct 2018, 15:17

TTN

Fat chance of there being a street sweepers' or dustbin collectors' discount card

Oh yes there is

Council Staff Discounts (http://www.councilstaffdiscounts.co.uk/login.php)

Tankertrashnav

3rd Oct 2018, 17:17

Where do you live? Round here bin collections round here were privatised years ago. Maybe that's why we get ours emptied every week not every 2, 3 or even 4 years which some councils do

Pontius Navigator

3rd Oct 2018, 18:17

TTN, many discount system apply to hangers on, sorry associates.

BTW, you can also get additional credit with P&O as a share holder ☺

dragartist

3rd Oct 2018, 18:34

I’m not sure if many folks pay book price for anything these days. Daughter works for Lucazade. Drag just gave the 7 seat family car to youngest son with four kids. Their car was BER. Eldest son works for Porsche. He could get me a few grand off list price. Apparently their policy is to not make profit from staff sales, just cover costs. Tempted but outside my budget. So coincidentally daughter gets e-mail regarding new car discounts. I think their motive was to encourage staff to move over from company cars to car allowance. She is taxed quite heavily on her company car. Even more now she has elevated within the company with commensurate wheels. (One of those with optional indicators!). Their scheme is open to family members. Just log on with the appropriate details to find as Ex MoD Civil Servant I qualify in my own right. Not open to Civil Servants in other departments. A few days later I have been validated and given a code. This qualifies me for 17% off certain Nissans.
Conversation with the dealer: do you want leather? Not really but I would like nice bright headlights. Ok that comes with the leather and all the tech. I figure that my budget would cover the top spec since without the discount l may have bought the base model.
CSMA or whatever they call themselves now could not even come close.
poor experience with the Blues and Twos card. Sister in Law has one. Got 10p off a £40 Pizza Order since everything was on special offer and always is. A bit like the Dfs sale!
when I used to drive around with the Army they always asked for Service Discount in one of the Burger Joints. He would always make a point in goading the other one who did not give Service discount. I think this was lost on the “would you like fries with that” servers.

5aday

3rd Oct 2018, 19:36

Any Porsche 917's in the offing?

Pontius Navigator

3rd Oct 2018, 21:17

Drag indeed, BiL worked for BAE. BAE had a scheme with Rover so could get a staff discount but also for his family, parents, siblings, spouses, children. At the time of came to around 22 and probably many more.

Whenurhappy

4th Oct 2018, 02:22

My DDS card got me £5,000 off a new car. I also use it when I go for lunch with my sons and grandchildren (one of my sons has also got one) for 20% off at Frankie & Benny's which the little ones love; free balloons etc.

Not sure what a Veterans ID card could offer in the way of additional benefits ? My surgery ask all registered patients for proof of service iaw government policy, although the struggle to get appointments isn't any easier. When I was in hospital undergoing treatment for cancer and malnututrition nobody asked whenther I was a Veteran and I can't see how the care I received would have been enhanced if they had.

NEO

I was in hospital recently for a cancer operation and during my week stay I was questioned as part of an occupational health survey, where I was specifically asked if I had been in the Forces. This then led to further - and rather perjorative questions - about my assumed lifestyle. This included leading questions on alcohol and drugs intake, homelessness, criminal convictions, background (educational achievement) as well as questions on exposure to asbestos, ionising radiation and heavy metals. None of which were related to my Stage IV cancer.

The interviewer seemed surprised to find an-ex squaddy (as she colloquially referred to me) had a postgraduate education, no convictions and a normal family life. Curiously she did not elicit how long I’d served for.

I followed up this point later: as pointed out by others, one day of service can qualify one as a veteran. I am minded to recall that in my youth in New Zealand, a veteran was someone who’d returned from operations; indeed the NZ equivalent of RBL is the RSA - Returned Servicemen’s Association. (In Australia it's the Returned Services League).

Pontius Navigator

4th Oct 2018, 08:36

WUH, I bet you didn't change her perceptions. My uncle was a Digger. When we flew in to Amberley he was able to come on base and visit us as we passed through. He was amazed how we all pitched in refuelling and servicing, no officers with swagger sticks watching the erks. He had obviously gained an impression of British officers, private folk lore from Gallipoli.

Krystal n chips

4th Oct 2018, 15:43

Never understood, well I have, the expectation of getting a discount once you become "ex " and are plain Mr given there are plenty around if you search for them plus a bus pass and senior rail card is more than adequate for transport savings.

Best discount I got when in was the "10p café " so named because it was run by a former W.O and anybody serving would get their meal for 10p.....but... adjacent to the till were a small selection of charity boxes......the offer was never abused by those who dined there Formerly located where the A449 meets the Junction of Death on the M4 for Newport, now a McJunk / hotel and housing estate. Also the location for several enjoyable encounters with the then driving school staff at a certain Welsh Station near Cardiff who used to get "a shade upset " at the 71MU driving standards....and uniform standards.

FantomZorbin

5th Oct 2018, 07:48

veteran was someone who’d returned from operations
Absolutely! I will not use the term personally, I leave it for those who have been shot at etc and merit it.*

*That includes FZjnr.

Pontius Navigator

5th Oct 2018, 07:56

for those who have . . . at etc
And of course that etc is as open to interpretation as anything else.

As young and bold I thought nothing of some things that happened. Usually so brief that there was no brown underpants job.

I think a good percentage of my nav cohort never got their gratuity.

Nigerian Expat Outlaw

5th Oct 2018, 21:08

At the risk of appearing mercenary, I have absolutely no qualms about using my DDS/Blue Light/Rewards For Forces/Halfords Trade cards to obtain discount. If it's available I'll take it thank you very much.

If people who did a single day in the Forces can obtain discount why shouldn't anybody who has served in the Forces, through our own choice or due to conscription ? Whether up the "sharp end" or not, everyone has/had a purpose or some SDSR would have cut them.

NEO

Linedog

5th Oct 2018, 21:38

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/521x686/veteran_bf6db7af58a19bfa762dbdbf019e8e54fc959615.jpg

Nigerian Expat Outlaw

6th Oct 2018, 00:34

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/521x686/veteran_bf6db7af58a19bfa762dbdbf019e8e54fc959615.jpg

Dead right.

NEO

Pontius Navigator

6th Oct 2018, 08:07

There is also UK Merchant Seafarers veterans badge. All those on the Stuff ships would have qualified.

Whenurhappy

6th Oct 2018, 21:40

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/521x686/veteran_bf6db7af58a19bfa762dbdbf019e8e54fc959615.jpg
This is a poorly adapted piece of Cloying American Veteran worship and completely inappropriate in the UK we don’t use terms like active service.

Bladdered

8th Oct 2018, 11:03

Anyone know where I can get evidence of service from to prove to DDS that I served? I have a DPA subject access request form but I am not even sure what to ask for. Airmen/SNCOs get a letter of discharge but all I got was a letter from AO thanking me for 28years unblemished (SIC) service and an interview with OCPSF.

Pontius Navigator

8th Oct 2018, 11:28

Bladdered, just apply with rank, name, number. If you think about it anyone could send in a copy of papers or use a live RNN. There has to be an element of trust.

t7a

10th Oct 2018, 11:37

Bladdered - write to: HQ Air Command, RAF DPA, Room14, Trenchard Hall, RAF cranwell, Sleaford NG34 8HB.

I had the same prob - they will supply you with a Certified True Statement of Service (in pretty colours and with an official stamp!!)

jindabyne

10th Oct 2018, 19:50

in the UK we don’t use terms like active service

Not so in my opinion. A loose term, but appropriate and one that is generally understood.

Pontius Navigator

11th Oct 2018, 07:59

Not so in my opinion. A loose term, but appropriate and one that is generally understood.
I think WUH is right but he said Active Service, which we do use, when the original said Active Duty which we don't.

superplum

19th Feb 2019, 08:55

Well, you takes it or you leaves it. They are here!

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-veterans-id-cards-rolled-out-to-service-leavers

:) (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-veterans-id-cards-rolled-out-to-service-leavers)

downsizer

19th Feb 2019, 09:11

What a waste of money.

OldnDaft

19th Feb 2019, 09:20

What a waste of money.
You are not compelled to have one so if you feel that strongly don't bother. Simple.

Linedog

19th Feb 2019, 10:38

You are not compelled to have one so if you feel that strongly don't bother. Simple.

As a Serving member, he doesn't qualify.................................. LOL!

Cornish Jack

19th Feb 2019, 11:10

All this grubbing around for a few pence off 'cos of voluntary career choices is tacky beyond belief ... or it would be without the evidence of previous 'troughing' such as the scramble for additional pensions for 'hearing loss' etc. A proportion of ex-Service people will always chase any 'gizzits', citing special status or some such rot. Greed is naturally prevalent - some have it in their nature.
Nurses needing to use food banks?? now there's a thought!

Linedog

19th Feb 2019, 11:16

downsizer

19th Feb 2019, 12:02

You are not compelled to have one so if you feel that strongly don't bother. Simple.

I won't be. Nor will I want my driving licence endorsed as such either!

OldnDaft

19th Feb 2019, 12:50

I won't be. Nor will I want my driving licence endorsed as such either!
Bet you do - you plumbers always talk a good game!

Avtur

19th Feb 2019, 12:53

Nor will I want my driving licence endorsed as such either!

From the article, it looks like an ID Card, not an annotated Drivers Licence.

melmothtw

19th Feb 2019, 13:01

Have you got any idea how many service veterans are out on the streets.................?

Too many, but that's not really the issue being discussed here.

downsizer

19th Feb 2019, 13:56

From the article, it looks like an ID Card, not an annotated Drivers Licence.

Don't know the current state of play but at one time it was discussed by the government to endorse a vets driving licence should they choose so.

downsizer

19th Feb 2019, 14:00

Bet you do - you plumbers always talk a good game!

Very much doubt it mate. :E

Pontius Navigator

19th Feb 2019, 15:23

Avtur

19th Feb 2019, 16:41

...Pardon?

Tankertrashnav

20th Feb 2019, 10:15

Cornish Jack I think you have spoiled your case by conflating two different issues. I entirely agree with your "grubbing around for a few pence off" comments and I am on record as saying I wont be applying for one of these "veteran's" cards as a "reward" for a very pleasant and well paid time spent in HM's service. I think increased pensions, lump sums etc for medical conditions brought about by military service are an entirely different matter however. I have a long standing back condition which dates back to my RAF service. Some years ago I was able to claim a lump sum payment (not an enhanced pension) for this, but my medical records going back to my time in the RAF were checked to support the claim before it was approved.

Pontius Navigator

20th Feb 2019, 11:34

TTN, see PM.

Cornish Jack

20th Feb 2019, 14:37

PN - no humour intended ... my asymmetric response to conversation may well be due to a number of years accompanying a pair of Hercules and a quartet of Centaurus around Europe, Middle East and Africa, so I'm fully aware of the condition.
TTN - Establishing that employment (as above) is the root cause of common physical debilitation is, at best, arguable and quite definitely in a whole different league from, for example, emphysema or asbestosis. At the time when the hearing loss compensation was 'in vogue', I had PVR'd and was working with a number of ex RAF officers who would have (pensions and active pay combined) large incomes by any standard. The enthusiasm with which this sudden bounty was greeted and pursued was, at best, unedifying and, at worst, a reinforcement of the late, unlamented Hilda Margaret's policy of 'greed is good'. It seems to me that the quest for some sort of 'special' recognition for ex members of HM's Forces is, as I wrote, 'tacky' and has nothing to do with entirely justified support for those, whether ex-Service or civilian, who are in genuine need - and, there are far too many of those!!

ORAC

29th Sep 2023, 11:50

https://x.com/forcesnews/status/1707404797152727271?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A

The second phase of the long-awaited Veteran ID card rollout has arrived, to cover all long-standing former members of the UK military 🪪

Since 2018, service leavers have been entitled to a Veteran ID Card, but this new phase will provide cards to longer-standing veterans

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-veteran-cards-to-be-rolled-out-this-year

Sue Vêtements

29th Sep 2023, 19:05

Belonging to AARP (I don't) gets one discounts for just being old

yes but . . .

. . . often you'll find those 'discounts' are in name only

I went to a rental car company once and got all the y way to the end when I remembered I got a discount for sone reason or another. "Oh in that case" came the response "I'll have to charge you from this different book" and of course when they did and then took off the discount, it was pretty much the same

Mind you, the rental car market is pretty much like an oriental rug bazaar. Never book the level of car you want, but instead book the cheapest shoebox you can see because when you get there they'll not have any so will have to upgrade you ... for free of course

Also never go INTO the hotel to inquire directly how much the rooms are, instead find a payphone nearby (what are those? you ask) or use the courtesy phone in the lobby. That way you'll get a much better rate