I dont think it will happen there was a big push to try and get the QDJM to ex serviceman and that didnt happen and dont get me started on the ones you can buy who in there right mind would want to buy one to wear?
[quote=“noah claypole” post=10388]Everyone’s interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVA’s interpretation of a Veteran is seemingly everyone?
There should be a minimum criteria for awarding these (i.e. had completed basic training) as the Halton example is a joke :mad:[/quote]
Years ago, ‘Veteran’ used to mean someone with a long experience in something; a veteran broadcaster, a veteran sportsman etc. Unfortunately, and I have to say it follows what has happened across the Atlantic, fuelled by our own media, we have allowed the word to become synonymous with ‘former’ and its association with age and or experience in a particular field has now been lost.
As a society, I think we have changed from unobtrusively getting on with things and not advertising our achievements, to openly showing our pride in being members (or former members) of certain organisations. Furthermore, the current public affection for members of the Armed Forces has never been higher in recent years, so anything that shows former membership of the Services has to be a good thing.
Controversial bit now; if all people want to do is show that they have been in the RN/Army/RAF, the various Service Associations (RNA/Regimental Associations/RAFA) have pin badges to do just that. OK it will cost you, but you can join them with a minimal amount of service. There is nothing wrong with the concept of the Veterans’ Badge, but it needs to be more meaningful and renew the association with experience, one day of service is clearly ridiculous, but where do you set the line? Five years? Ten years? Someone could have done 3 years on the front-line and been exposed to more danger than a 35-year scribbly, but how can you say whose service is ‘more worthy’?
The answer is neither. In reality, all servicemen and servicewomen are cogs in a machine and if one doesn’t do their job properly, it affects others.
I know, it’s called a rhetorical question! 
I had no idea it was so easy to get a veterans badge. I could get one and that’s more than a stretch of the word ‘veteran’…
On the NDM/4 years front, I’d have an issue with that on behalf of my Grandfather who did three years (as a Regular, not a National Serviceman) and spent two and a half effectively ‘on tour’ in Aden and Kenya.
The NDM proposed qualification criteria doesn’t mean 4 years front-line service, it’s for 4 years service in any capacity in any area, inlcuding home service. Reading the campaign proposal, it’s designed to recognise those who have served their country anywhere in the world but especially in view of the constant threat from the IRA in places like mainland Britain and Germany; and the Cold War threat from the Soviets for which no medallic recognition was issued.
There is the ACSM for long-term operational service and the NDM isn’t designed to replace that.
Why on earth was he wearing No 1 uniform in the band?
I didnt get a Vets badge of 3 years as a TA infantry man and i had to endure army field cooking!!
[quote=“mabbz” post=10424]Why on earth was he wearing No 1 uniform in the band?[/quote]If it was one of the few bands that are authorised to wear No1SD then he’d be entitled to.
I doubt that this band were though
Oh, and on that: If your band is authorised to wear No1SD, that means Full No1SD including 1SD Hat, not a beret plonked on the head! And no hackles either!
The 1 band permitted to wear Full No1SD doesnt… Neither does the Fanfare team…
Berets with No1SD looks awesome what you talking about?! 
Hackles look good but i feel for the poor budgie who who gave them up.
[quote=“mabbz” post=10424]Why on earth was he wearing No 1 uniform in the band?
I didnt get a Vets badge of 3 years as a TA infantry man and i had to endure army field cooking!![/quote]
You are entitled to one if you want it.
[quote=“cygnus maximus” post=10399][quote=“noah claypole” post=10388]Everyone’s interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVA’s interpretation of a Veteran is seemingly everyone?
There should be a minimum criteria for awarding these (i.e. had completed basic training) as the Halton example is a joke :mad:[/quote]
Years ago, ‘Veteran’ used to mean someone with a long experience in something; a veteran broadcaster, a veteran sportsman etc. Unfortunately, and I have to say it follows what has happened across the Atlantic, fuelled by our own media, we have allowed the word to become synonymous with ‘former’ and its association with age and or experience in a particular field has now been lost.
As a society, I think we have changed from unobtrusively getting on with things and not advertising our achievements, to openly showing our pride in being members (or former members) of certain organisations. Furthermore, the current public affection for members of the Armed Forces has never been higher in recent years, so anything that shows former membership of the Services has to be a good thing.
Controversial bit now; if all people want to do is show that they have been in the RN/Army/RAF, the various Service Associations (RNA/Regimental Associations/RAFA) have pin badges to do just that. OK it will cost you, but you can join them with a minimal amount of service. There is nothing wrong with the concept of the Veterans’ Badge, but it needs to be more meaningful and renew the association with experience, one day of service is clearly ridiculous, but where do you set the line? Five years? Ten years? Someone could have done 3 years on the front-line and been exposed to more danger than a 35-year scribbly, but how can you say whose service is ‘more worthy’?[/quote]
I completely agree, however my post was not to deem who was “more worthy” - I was just trying to rationalise a minimum where (IMO) an individual becomes of practical use to HM Forces. The minimum I could think of was completion of basic training, as arguably you can go from basic to somewhere pretty tasty, pretty quickly.
I think “over 18” should certainly be a criterion.
Not a bad idea seeing as you cant deploy until you reach 18
But im not a Veteran and dont consider myself one.
Next it will be Campaign medlas for being able to spell the country were fighting in!
Syri…ah damn it!
Syri…ah damn it![/quote]
Dont worry looks like we wont be going at last the system works!!
You’ve got no chance then Mabbz - you can’t even spell ‘medals’… :lol:
But im not a Veteran and dont consider myself one.
Next it will be Campaign medlas for being able to spell the country were fighting in![/quote]
Your personal preference (same here btw), but I was just pointing out the facts.
Wow! I never read this thread first time I saw it. glad I did now. I never realised what a hot subject it was. My personal thoughts are that the Veterens Badge is a nice to have. I was presented mine in the WO’s and Sgt’s Mess after completing 25 years service in the Army at my retirement dinner. It was a nice way to get it, presented by the CO, in front of my peers; better than through the post with your pension package like many of the others get their’s.
So, should I have got it? Well 25 years is a long time, folks!! I never served in Afghanistan or Kosovo (no medals) but spent over a third of that time in Northern Ireland (GSM1962 and AGSM) in the 1980’s and 1990’s mainly in South Armagh. I served in other locations around the world attached to the FCO in odd guises (no medals there). You will see that Iraq is missing from the list. I served 22 days in Iraq on a Police Operation (no medal there either). So, all I have is a couple of GSM’s and LSGC and GJM. Not much to show after 25 years but you know what? I’m actually not bothered. I know what I did and actually that’s all that matters.
As far as the Veterens Badge is concerned, I think providing you have completed training and have actually gone on strength at your unit then fair do’s.
You’ve got no chance then Mabbz - you can’t even spell ‘medals’… :lol:[/quote]
That would be the Army field cooking i mentioned…