Younger Veterans Feel Alienated From Society

Britain’s younger veterans do not feel valued or respected by society according to new research by an Armed Forces charity.

SSAFA’s research found veterans felt the contribution they had made to the UK was not recognised, their employers did not value them and they weren’t as respected as their US counterparts or the emergency services.

Prince Michael of Kent, the President of SSAFA, said: “This report demonstrates how, in some instances, we are failing to support those who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

“The relationship between the Armed Forces and society has changed, with fewer members of the general public having any links to the military community.”

The report, entitled The Nation’s Duty: challenging society’s disservice to a new generation of veterans, is based on a survey of more than 1,100 veterans aged 18 to 49, who had contacted SSAFA.

Key findings of the survey include:

• 81% felt that US veterans were more respected than veterans in the UK
• 75% felt that they were not as respected by society as the UK emergency services
• 67% felt there was less respect for veterans when the Armed Forces were not in conflict
• 62% felt undervalued by society

SSAFA is calling on society as a whole to address the problems veterans face once they leave service.

The report states: “We need to foster a greater mutual understanding between veterans and wider society, promoting a more positive image of the veteran community.”

SSAFA made several recommendations:

• A new veterans ID card to give veterans recognition, respect and a sense of identity
• An education programme for employers to teach the value of military qualifications
• A nationwide one-to-one support scheme to aid a smooth transition into civilian life
• Teach basic financial and life skills during service