The Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood has announced that personnel leaving the armed forces will now be able to keep their military ID.
The move will allow veterans to maintain their emotional connection with the armed forces, allowing them to keep the card they have carried on them throughout their career. Retaining their ID card, known as the MOD Form 90, will also allow service leavers to be identified as veterans quickly and easily, aiding their transition into civilian life.
Charities, Veterans UK, which manages armed forces pensions and compensation payments, local authorities and GPs will all benefit from the change, as they will not have to conduct time-consuming checks to identify individual veterans.
The Prime Minister last year also announced plans to provide the 2.5 million former armed forces personnel cards which identify them as veterans, in recognition of their service to the nation.
Handing back the Service ID card has regularly been identified as something that members of the armed forces would like to change.
Instead of handing back their card to be destroyed on the day of discharge, the corners will now be cut off to show the card is no longer valid. This will ensure that security is maintained at bases and other sensitive sites.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “Our armed forces give their all to keep this country safe and leaving the military can be an emotional time.
“That’s why I’m delighted that people leaving the armed forces will be able to retain that emotional connection with their service by keeping their ID card. Retaining their ID card will also make it easier for veterans to access the many public services, which prioritise veterans under the Armed Forces Covenant. So this is a small change that I know will make a big difference.”
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Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood
Post written by: Matt Brown
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