| ID | 124070 |
| Title Proper | Are you a veteran? understanding of the term veteran among UK ex-service personnel |
| Other Title Information | a research note |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Burdett, Howard ; Woodhead, Charlotte ; Iversen, Amy C ; Wessely, Simon |
| Publication | 2013. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Different countries have varying definitions of the word "veteran," which in turn influence the benefits that ex-Service personnel receive. However, public opinion does not necessarily reflect official definitions. This article seeks to identify whether characteristics by which UK ex-Service personnel self-identify as veterans are aligned with official policy/public opinion, and which factors are associated with self-identification as a veteran. This article utilizes data from a structured telephone interview survey of UK Armed Forces personnel. All those who had left the military by the time of interview (n = 202) were asked whether they considered themselves to be a veteran. Their responses were recorded and analyzed. Only half of the sample considered themselves to be veterans. Definitions used by UK ex-Service personnel do not align with the official UK government definition or public perceptions of "veterans," which tend to focus on older veterans and/or those who served in both World Wars. |
| `In' analytical Note | Armed Forces and Society Vol. 39, No.4; Oct 2013: p. 751-759 |
| Journal Source | Armed Forces and Society Vol. 39, No.4; Oct 2013: p. 751-759 |
| Key Words | Veterans ; UK Military ; Identity ; Ex - Service Personnel |