We all know something about Armed Forces veterans… or at least we think we do. Veterans are usually military or ex-military personnel who have served in the Armed Forces in some capacity. Many acknowledge that they have fought for our liberties and are the backbone of our country.
As ex-service personnel ourselves, we know a thing or two about being a veteran, which means we’re well aware that there are plenty of facts about veterans that aren’t so widely known.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the most interesting facts about UK veterans that you might not be aware of. While some may be common knowledge, we reckon there’s a good chance that a few of these facts and tidbits will be new to you.
What Actually Is A Veteran?
Perhaps the best place to start is by defining what a veteran actually is. Most of us know that a veteran is someone who has served in the Armed Forces.
However, what you might not know is that you can be considered a veteran after serving as little as one day in His Majesty’s service. You can even become a veteran at the ripe old age of 16 years old!
Veterans can be of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or nationality – the only criteria are that they’ve enlisted and served in the forces, and, of course, are over the age of 16.
There Are Over 2 Million Veterans in the UK
Roughly 2 million proud veterans reside in the UK. The 2021 census indicated that there are around 1.85 million ex-military personnel in England and Wales, with more residents across Scotland and Northern Ireland. This equates to nearly 5% of the adult UK population.
Nearly 10% of Veterans Live With PTSD
On a more sombre note, around 10% of UK veterans experience some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the real figure could be significantly higher, as it’s widely believed that many veterans choose not to report it, often due to stigma or a lack of awareness.
Breaking it down, this equates to around 186,110 veterans with PTSD. Interestingly, PTSD is more prevalent among those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, with around 17% of those who were deployed in combat reporting symptoms of PTSD.
No One Veteran’s Experience Is The Same
Just as no two veterans are the same, no two veteran experiences are identical. When many people think of a veteran, they picture a soldier in combat gear, armed and on the front line. But the reality is much broader. The term “veteran” applies to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, including those in support roles such as cooks, medics, engineers, mechanics, and administrative personnel. Every role, regardless of how visible or dramatic it may seem, plays a vital part in the bigger picture.
The nature of service also varies widely. Some veterans have been deployed to multiple countries, operating in high-risk environments far from home. Others may have served exclusively within the UK, supporting operations from the home front or working in training and logistics.
In short, being a veteran isn’t defined by a single type of experience; it’s shaped by a wide range of roles, responsibilities, and circumstances. And that’s what makes each veteran’s story so unique.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure that no one in the Armed Forces community is disadvantaged because of their service, particularly when it comes to accessing public or commercial services. It recognises the unique challenges that serving personnel, veterans, and their families may face, and aims to level the playing field in areas like housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
In certain situations (particularly for those who have made significant sacrifices, such as the injured, disabled, or bereaved), the Covenant also supports the idea of special consideration where appropriate.
If your organisation has pledged its support through the Armed Forces Covenant or the Employer Recognition Scheme, you may have committed to providing extra benefits or tailored support for members of the Armed Forces community. This could include flexible working policies, guaranteed interview schemes for veterans, or discounts on services. These pledges not only show gratitude, but also play a vital role in easing the transition from service to civilian life.
Veterans Make Excellent Employees
If you’re a veteran looking for employment after your service, there’s good news. Veterans are highly valued in the workplace. Leadership, discipline, and resilience are noted as some of the qualities that employers love. What is perhaps more surprising is that many veterans still face barriers to employment after service. This is something we think has to change. If you are a veteran seeking employment, ensure you lean on your skills and express how they make you a fantastic employee, and if you are looking at hiring a veteran, you can rest assured they will exceed your expectations.
The Stigma of Asking For Help
It may come as no surprise that many veterans find it difficult to ask for help. In fact, when they do reach out, they often refer to themselves as “we” rather than “I.” This subtle shift in language reflects something deeper: a collective mindset shaped by service, and perhaps a reluctance to centre themselves or appear vulnerable.
There’s also a common feeling among veterans that seeking help means being scrutinised or judged, which can add to the hesitation. This is a perception that urgently needs to change.
At Veterans For Veterans, we strongly believe that the conversation around veterans’ mental health must be more open, supportive, and stigma-free. Asking for help should be seen as a strength, not a weakness.
If you’re a veteran who finds yourself struggling or considering reaching out, please know that you’re not alone, and that there is support available. Whether it’s through charities, the NHS, or peer-led organisations, help is out there, and it’s okay to take that first step.
Veterans’ Families Have To Move A Lot
Due to the nature of military life, veterans’ families often find themselves relocating frequently, sometimes every few years. These moves are part of the commitment to support the serving member’s role in the Armed Forces, but they can come with many challenges for the entire family.
For spouses, frequent relocations can lead to gaps in employment or a CV that appears disjointed, making it harder to maintain a consistent career path. For children, it often means starting over, settling into new schools, making new friendships, and adjusting to different environments, sometimes multiple times throughout their upbringing.
While these experiences can build resilience and adaptability, they also bring a unique set of pressures that can go unnoticed. It’s important to recognise and support the families of veterans, whose sacrifices often go hand in hand with those who serve.
Transition Back To Civilian Life
It may come as no surprise to learn that the transition for many veterans from their service back to civilian life can be challenging. Part of the transition is resettlement, which usually involves the support, advice, and guidance provided to military personnel. It can also cover employment and vocational support in the run-up to leaving service. If you are a veteran, we understand the struggles you may be experiencing after service, and we want you to know that support is available. If you find yourself struggling, reach out to either a loved one or a support service.
Around 3% of Rough Sleepers Are Veterans
Perhaps one of the most eye-opening figures is that around 3% of rough sleepers in the UK are veterans, with some reports suggesting that this figure is actually closer to 5%. A shocking 2022 survey also found that 1 in 400 veterans said they were homeless, rough sleeping, or in a domestic abuse refuge. Is this really the way we want to treat the men and women who protected our country?
Many Veterans Go into Volunteering or Public Services
If veterans’ military service wasn’t enough, many veterans go into volunteering or public services after completing their service. A UK study found that over 60% of veterans reported formal or informal volunteering within the past 12 months. Many ex-forces personnel take roles in emergency services, the NHS, education, or charity work. Their sense of duty doesn’t end with uniformed service; they often continue to serve their communities in new and exciting ways.
Many Veterans Don’t Know They Can Make A Military Claim
We have briefly touched on some of the multiple ways that ex-military personnel may suffer, but what many veterans don’t know is that there is something that can be done about it. Depending on the circumstances, veterans can make military claims, from hearing loss claims to non-freezing cold claims, and more. Regardless of your circumstances, we are pretty confident that something can be done.
At Veterans For Veterans, we have plenty of experience helping veterans across the country to make successful military claims. We are a team of ex-military veterans ourselves, so we know exactly how you feel and we can help simplify and accelerate the process for you. So, if you have left the military after May 1987 and suffer from a condition relating to your service, contact us today and we are sure we will be able to help.