Shame - worth mentioning it though, others may be in that position!
Sorry meant to add earlier. The number of campaign medals someone has should never be an indication of how good they are, nor of what they have (or havenât) done. I entirely agree with your last sentence above, but I would be very careful who you quote when you make comments like that!
Looks like you left the same time as me I didnt get either the QDJM or QGJM either just missed out on both but the way I look at it is they are freebies dont mean anything well not to me anyway
Everyoneâs interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVAâs 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=ânoah claypoleâ post=10388]Everyoneâs interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVAâs 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]
Maybe complete a year service out of training as lets face it while in training be it basic or trade you dont exactly serve queen and country
[quote=âzinggyâ post=10391][quote=ânoah claypoleâ post=10388]Everyoneâs interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVAâs 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]
Maybe complete a year service out of training as lets face it while in training be it basic or trade you dont exactly serve queen and country[/quote]
Or keep the veteranâs badge as it is and bring in the medal that some are campaigning for that you would get on exit from the military providing you have served 4 years minimum.
My understanding is that the NDM campaign has suggested a minimum of 4 years regular or reserve service (apparently a CFAV wonât be eligible) before the medal would be awarded. This will rule out the largest group - National Servicemen.
Imagine if they DID bring in the medal but awarded it to everyone who had had a service number, just like the veterans badge. It would mean that one day at Halton would qualify and our ex-chopped pilot\CWO friend would be wearing it in Cadet uniform!
[quote=âGunnerâ post=10396]My understanding is that the NDM campaign has suggested a minimum of 4 years regular or reserve service (apparently a CFAV wonât be eligible) before the medal would be awarded. This will rule out the largest group - National Servicemen.
Imagine if they DID bring in the medal but awarded it to everyone who had had a service number, just like the veterans badge. It would mean that one day at Halton would qualify and our ex-chopped pilot\CWO friend would be wearing it in Cadet uniform![/quote]
Hence why I wholeheartedly agree that 4 years is a good idea. I donât see National Servicemen not getting it as an issue. The only concern over 4 years is that if it is for active service, reservists who have been mobilised are usually only mobilised for 3 years and I think it would be good if they were allowed it.
Like where service in the Reserve Forces, Regular Forces, OTC and University Air Squadrons entitles you to the CFM after 9 years of uniformed service with the cadets at the earliest vice 12 years due to up to 3 years of service being counted towards it.
I donât however agree service after the age of 18 as a cadet counting towards a maximum of 4 years. Now they canât stay past 20, it does mean they wonât get more eligibility than those who have served in the Reserve Forces, Regular Forces, OTC and University Air Squadrons, but those who were cadets back in the day and could stay past 20 could effectively get more entitlement.
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=ânoah claypoleâ post=10388]Everyoneâs interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVAâs 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, âVeteranâ 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 âformerâ 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 Veteransâ 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 âmore worthyâ?
The answer is neither. In reality, all servicemen and servicewomen are cogs in a machine and if one doesnât do their job properly, it affects others.
I know, itâs called a rhetorical question! 
I had no idea it was so easy to get a veterans badge. I could get one and thatâs more than a stretch of the word âveteranââŚ
On the NDM/4 years front, Iâd 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 âon tourâ in Aden and Kenya.
The NDM proposed qualification criteria doesnât mean 4 years front-line service, itâs for 4 years service in any capacity in any area, inlcuding home service. Reading the campaign proposal, itâs 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 isnât 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=âmabbzâ 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 heâd 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 teamâŚ
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=âmabbzâ 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=âcygnus maximusâ post=10399][quote=ânoah claypoleâ post=10388]Everyoneâs interpretation of a Veteran will be different, but the SPVAâs 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, âVeteranâ 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 âformerâ 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 Veteransâ 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 âmore worthyâ?[/quote]
I completely agree, however my post was not to deem who was âmore worthyâ - 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 âover 18â should certainly be a criterion.