HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge

For generations our Armed Forces have served our country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defence. In doing so, they have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values. A large number of our veterans are young and active and now use the skills, the discipline and the leadership they learned in the Armed Forces to benefit their civilian employers and the wider community. The Ministry of Defence Strategy for Veterans highlights that because of all this, it is important to focus on supporting veterans of all ages by celebrating and raising public awareness of their achievements and their contribution to society. To promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public, the unique and unifying symbol of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces.

HM Armed Forces Veterans' Lapel badge was launched in May 2004 by the then Minister for Veterans, to raise the profile of veterans by assisting the wider public to recognise them. The first veterans badge was issued to Lord Healey, a Veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino, on May 10 2004, which initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since the eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all veternas are eligible to apply.

The badge is an enamelled, engraved and pinned lapel badge, featuring the words 'HM Armed Forces - Veteran', which encompasses the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif. It's symbolism is intented to unite all veterans in recognising the commonality of their service, to encourage a sense of unity and community between surviving veterans and to ignite public recognition of our veterans and their continuing contribution to society.

Eligibilty

Criteria

All those who have served in HM Armed Forces, including Volunteer and Regular Reserves.

Exceptions

Veterans who serves in Armed Forces of other OCuntries and those who served alongside HM Armed Forces are not eligible (e.g. Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Airforce).

Posthumous Requests

The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not issued posthumously. The only exception is for War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers pension paid by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This also includes those who have received an award of Survivors Guaranteed Payment (SGIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is in recognition of the fact that their death was due to their military service.

How To Apply

You can apply by any of the following methods:

Click on the link below to access the application form.

PDF Format

Application Forms

Please ensure you complete the form including your service details as fully as possible. You may post or fax your completed form to the Service Personnel And Veterans Agency.

Another option is to download the form, complete it electronically, save the form and return to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency by email.

If you wish, you may call the telephone number to apply. Please ensure you have to hand all the details asked for on the application form.

Postal Address:

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency,
Norcross,
Thornton-Cleveleys,
Lancashire
FY5 3WP

Fax: 01253 330561 (UK only)
+44 01253 330561 (Overseas)

Email: SPVA-VeteransBadges@mod.uk