Cycling UK Forum

I assume that conscription does not exist in the UK.

I was not looking to set one's occupational hazards against another or indeed create a league of the worst. As to the topic title ( perks for x AF) merely trying to support my long held belief why should a section of community receive benefits others don’t unless it was in their contract when they signed up.
I’m very aware of the plus and minuses of the AF I experienced a lot of the pluses as a young man. Playing in tanks at Catterick, building Bailey bridges, blowing holes in the ground at Ripon, visiting Warcop for arduous training supplies I could go on. Also I saw the downside of kids at my school ( Deerbolt Camp) being there a year and then moving on.
Joining AF was an option for me I didn’t take mainly because I don’t like commands, I dislike issuing commands and I’m a poor team player. A mostly solitary occupation with only myself and the calendar to answer to was my strongest motivation.

KTHSullivan wrote:3) I think you have missed the point with the MOD report. It assumes no one is shooting at you!

I thought it did

• In 2009, the high mortality rates for the Army were the result of operational activity in Iraq and Afghanistan; there was a loss of 99 lives during 2009 as a result of hostile action

you’ve obviously never done a days beating.

KTHSullivan wrote:8) If those working in agriculture, forestry & fisheries choose not to work safely or cut corners with H&S that is their problem.

. I don’t think you can even begin to understand how angry that comment makes me. I’m torn whether to leave it at that or give you an insight.
I think for the sake of civility I’ll leave you there.

Oldjohnw wrote:I assume that conscription does not exist in the UK.

Correct.

But it's still fantasised about by far too many. Young people nowadays...

Jonathan

Perhaps the card should be for searching AFs not ex because ex AFs are no nm longer being shot at. They are just civilians at that point.

I too got a little bit annoyed with the comment about cutting corners. It's ignorant and wrong. It is clearly a comment that puts people against each other should they reply.

As most of you know, I'm ex-RN.
Have a nice healthy service pension, and I can get a healthy discount on a Veteren's Railcard .............. but do I want it?
No.

I can't see the value in nationwide railcard for £30odd quid a year, so I'm not even going to bother buying a Senior Railcard either.
My Devon and Cornwall Railcard is good value at £12 a year. (renewed it last month).
I'm unlikely to get on a train going any further than Plymouth.

Have done Exeter in the past, and Truro too, but further? No thanks.

As for the £12 a year, the return fare Gunnislake/Plymouth, the standard fare is £6.30. Singles are £6.20 (only 10p cheaper!)
Doing it with my D+C card, the fares drop to £4.15 and £4.05 ............... saving of more than £2 per trip.
Only need to do it six times a year, and I'm in pocket.

Done it twice only in the last two weeks - one single, and one return.
Spent £12.00 on the card, and saved £4.65 so far .......... just on two trips.

Jdsk wrote:

Oldjohnw wrote:I assume that conscription does not exist in the UK.

Correct.

But it's still fantasised about by far too many. Young people nowadays...

Jonathan

What i was meaning, of course, is that no-one is forced into the military. It's a free choice. Pay them properly and give proper pensions and medical care. No need for other post-service perks.

None of which is not to say that I am not grateful for what they have done, particularly in WW2. Militaristic over ambitious politicians, not the actual military, are the problem with wars.

Oldjohnw wrote:

Jdsk wrote:

Oldjohnw wrote:I assume that conscription does not exist in the UK.

Correct.

What i was meaning, of course, is that no-one is forced into the military. It's a free choice. Pay them properly and give proper pensions and medical care. No need for other post-service perks.

Ah... got it.

Jonathan

Oldjohnw wrote:What i was meaning, of course, is that no-one is forced into the military. It's a free choice. Pay them properly and give proper pensions and medical care. No need for other post-service perks.

Perks?

The Vet's Rail Card is no different to any other rail card. It costs the same, but at the moment there's a discount due to its recent launch.

It is a perk. No other individual between 30 and 60 can get one, AFAIK.

Unless you're a student?
Dunno TBH, but it could be true.
Perhaps someone could elucidate?

What about Two Together, or Family and Friends?
Are there age limitations?

What about regional railcards like wot I have. No age limitations ...... all you need is proof of address.

From what I know about rail travel, if you pay the full price, you're a mug.

National:


https://www.railcard.co.uk

...
Regional:


https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/46498.aspx


Jonathan

It does seem ... to me ... that a number of the posters .. in this post .. have a great dislike of our Armed Forces .... Well, those that have retired ....
I wonder why ?

landsurfer wrote:It does seem ... to me ... that a number of the posters .. in this post .. have a great dislike of our Armed Forces .... Well, those that have retired ....
I wonder why ?

I would interpret it differently. If veterans deserve additional support then far better that the support is provided uniformly rather than only to those who use rail services. Amongst veterans personal situations for some might mean a lot of rail travel (and thus a lot of benefit) whereas others unable to use rail services and thus get no benefit.

I'd prefer see a retirement/compensation scheme that provides appropriate income and support for all rather than hotchpotch of benefits of use to some but not others. Such messy benefits means there are some who'll "fall through the gaps" and end-up without appropriate income/support.

e.g. a wealthy veteran General might be making regular trips Bristol to London where their military pension means they could easily afford the travel anyway whereas a veteran private may be homeless and a railcard would be of no use (chosen to illustrate the principle).

Ian

landsurfer wrote:It does seem ... to me ... that a number of the posters .. in this post .. have a great dislike of our Armed Forces .... Well, those that have retired ....
I wonder why ?

Not at all I think you are missing the point.
There’s a lot of cards there and thankfully a lot of people able to benefit from them.
Lots of traditional categories we recognise from young to aged and regular users. Regional discounts on the surface can look good and a National one I once had the over 50 Scotrail card, ( when they were free) a discount for fares through Scotland apart from one station. My local station Lockerbie in Scotland but not Scotrail so fo no use to me.
The point of debate is I see no national railcard for those aged 30 to 60 unless you are a 'veteran' . The question is why are those in a similar or probably worse off position not able to have the same benefit?
The result being some trying to justify why that discrimination is acceptable.

I’m all for rail travel and railcards, number one son has free travel anywhere on Northern, but I’m usually against privilege.

Good points well made Ian.
I may be a little touchy on the subject but some seen to have a " why should they get anything" approach to the subject ... But your right ... it's a bit like wealthy state pensioners getting a fuel allowance or discounted TV licence ... i have no problem with either but some seem to ..