Who is a veteran?
A veteran is anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces, regular or reserve including National Servicemen.
Veterans status also applies to former Polish forces under British command in WWII and Merchant Mariners who have seen duty in military operations. Veterans can be any age from 18 to 100 plus. Veterans need not have served overseas or in conflict.
The level of support that the Armed Forces are receiving at home via the press is, arguably, at its highest level for a number of years. In addition to those currently serving, the support provided to those who have left the forces is also attracting media attention. The appointment of the Veteran’s Minister, the commissioning of a report into National Recognition of our Armed Forces and the Service Personnel Command Paper are all providing momentum to push forward ideas relating to the collective belief that more should be done for our veterans.
Whilst the majority of the estimated 5 million Veterans will remain in the UK, some ex-service personnel choose to remain or re-locate to Germany. For most they will have an established life within the German community and will require little additional support. Some may simply require a means of remaining in touch with the British Military as part of the extended military family, others may be experiencing hardship and require assistance through the charitable veteran organisations.