1250 for Retired Personnel
 

Since retiring from the RAF in 1997, I have heard several rumours that a 1250 (or equivalent) is available for retired personnel, thus enabling potential use of on-base facilities and (particularly in US) military discounts.

Can anyone confirm or scotch this rumour and, if available, where do I apply?

That nice Mr Brown will soon force all citizens of his Brave New Order to hold ID cards in any case, so why bother?

Besides, the Yankee Dollar is worth so little these days that anyone from the UK can buy anything they want at a low price in the US without needing to ask for military discount.

Meadowbank,

You can get a RAF Retired Service Card (with photo) through RAFA, contact Membership Central HQ, 117 Loughborough Rd, Leicester LE4 5ND, tel 0116 266 5224.

I have used my RAFA Card in the past to get Mil Discount in the USA.

However, they now seem to be a little more stringent and emphasise serving military - that was certainly the case last October.

Or you could become a "Serpent" and have a Royal Air Force Civilian Identity Card.

Worked for me in a couple of places in the States.

Out of interest, do our friends in dark blue, lovat,and khaki have any equivalent to the RAF Retired Service Card, please?

Jack

Not sure about UK, but Canada look after their folks well. Full-on Reservists card giving you access to all the discounts online or in the States.

Small price to pay if you've done your time as a NATO potato. It can also matter if you live somewhere odd and access to all that Uncle Sam can offer will make a difference.

Just been to Florida and any park owned by Anhauser Busch are 'Supporting the Heroes' which includes ANY current or retired US/UK military personnel.

The upshot of this?

fast tracked to the ticket desk at Seaworld and Busch Gardens to find my $140 per person tickets for me and my family were given at a discount of ....... 100% :D

Yep, free, gratis, nowt.

Now that is supporting your troops mr two hats Des.

P.S. This theme of discounts, freebies and fast track carried on throughout the entire stay. The Americans appreciate your support be it current or former. Any proof of military service is acceptable.

Enjoy

W2P

Well that sums it up. Armed Forces Day?

Mnice and somehow appropriate. If you've served your country for 'X' years, then show some pay back. Travel, concessions, whatever. Given the outrageous travel claims of our sitting Members of Parliament (Hallo Nose, this is Trough, over.), I don't think the odd bus pass is having a laugh.

Stateside, most of the time it's private companies who take the view that they like their own country and those who volunteer to protect it. True, volunteer to be a soldier, and expect to die. You made the choice. But it's hardly well paid. True also, you could have been a construction worker for the same money. But that's that's not the same because a construction worker can say no.

The United States population has a far better general regard for the men and women that serve to protect it. It is a humbling example to Europe and Britain in particular that has a martial tradition whereby someone in your extended family served in some branch of the military.

I'm afraid we're losing that connection in the UK, look at the current debates about uniform in public.

A great pity. The House of Commons has fewer people who once served in the Armed Forces and it shows.

Ever the helpful BEagle.:mad:

Beags
Have you got your Gold Enameled Veterans Badge?

Looking after your own
 

Sat in a diner 2 weeks ago in Florida. In came an old chap wearing a hat denoting ex Vietnam. A couple of guys went over to him, talked for a couple of minutes, and as they were going indicated to the staff that they were paying for the old chaps meal as a thank you.

That would be fine and dandy, if they still did them, another cost saving measure I believe. :ugh:

Thanks to all, especially to 1.3VStall for the address. It's true that we should do more for serving and ex-military in the UK. I never got shot at in anger in my 20 yrs, but I was prepared to stick my neck out and lost plenty of friends to Cumulogranite and the North Sea. My current job doesn't take me Stateside but it will feel good to get some perks if/when I next travel there.

Happy Landings :ok:

Following up earlier posts, I have discovered that the Anheuser-Busch scheme for free entry to their theme parks has been extended to the end of 2008. Limk below.....

http://www.livingorlando.com/2007/12...itary-tribute/ :D

Anybody from Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Chessington, Madame Tussaud's, etc reading this?

I believe the RAF Civilian Identity card and the RAF Dependent Identity card did not have an equivalent in the Army or Navy. With the introduction of the Joint Service ID the Civilian and Dependents cards were no longer issued.

You might also want to consider joining British Veterans which issues a recognition card with photo which shows your ex rank on it. The card also entitles you to various savings with participating companies such as car hire, wine stores, holiday companies etc. Simon Weston supports the card.

I joined a couple of years ago and have used the card several times to gain some discounts, if you are interested have a look at www.britishveterans.co.uk

While serving and ex-serving Brits are discussing what deals they can get from the Yanks, what deals can the serving and ex-serving Yanks get from us Brits? Quid pro quo and all that.

Well, 30p more gets them 'supersized' for starters...:ok:

Well,
serving US personnel have done quite well in the UK in the past, as my old latin master Tex Hardbottle (born late 1944) would often point out....

I think there should be a veteran's 1250, it should be reversible - on one side it should list inflated military accomplishments and carry a recognisable (just) but flattering photo of the bearer in heavily braided uniform (photoshop it - saves the faff of nipping to ground photo), this could be presented at times like the present when the military are highly regarded by civvy st. The flip side could have a somewhat less flattering picture (your face superimposed on a shot of Pete Docherty perhaps, photoshop again) and say something like 'Bill Smith, Pianist, Joe's Brothel' for the other 8 or 9 decades in the century.....

Dave