A survey of more than 4,000 Veterans Railcard holders has revealed that many former servicemen and women continue to use military slang in civilian life because it brings back cherished memories. Phrases such as 'on the double', 'scran' and 'AWOL' remain part of their everyday vocabulary.
Nearly half (48%) of respondents said using this familiar language stirs up positive memories from their time in the forces, while 27% said it strengthens a sense of camaraderie and 24% feel a powerful sense of belonging. Other commonly used terms include 'civvies' (civilian clothes), 'hoofing' (excellent) and 'doss bag' (sleeping bag).
Barriers to Staying Connected
The research, commissioned by railcard.co.uk, found that many veterans struggle with losing connection after leaving service. Camaraderie and friendship (44%) and travelling to new places (20%) are among the things they miss most. Additionally, 22% of those polled may feel cut off from friends made during their service, citing the loss of friendships, routine and support networks as key reasons they found it difficult to adjust to "civvy street".
More than half (54%) said living far apart from fellow veterans has made it tougher to stay in touch, while work commitments (47%) and family responsibilities (42%) also play a significant part. Despite 79% believing it is vital to maintain those bonds, just 22% manage to meet up every few months, and 19% can only arrange a reunion once a year.
Reunion and Readjustment
The research revealed that veterans take an average of 17 months to feel settled back into civilian life. Half of those surveyed expressed interest in connecting with fellow veterans from different generations.
railcard.co.uk brought together veterans to share their experiences of readjusting to life outside the military. Fronted by former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod OBE, the video also features RAF veteran Iain Henderson and Army vet Corbin Mackin.
Veterans' Perspectives
Mark Ormrod said: "As a veteran from Plymouth, a city shaped by generations of service, I know how powerful those military bonds are. But once you step back into civilian life, staying connected to that community isn't always easy - distance and life pressures can get in the way. That's why my Veterans Railcard means so much. It's not just a third off train travel; it removes barriers."
"It gives me freedom to visit old comrades, check in on someone who might be struggling, attend events or simply be present for others that are making their transition back to civvy street."
The study of 2,000 civilians, conducted via OnePoll, found 75% don't believe they could truly comprehend what military life entails, while 62% said the same regarding the difficulties veterans encounter when transitioning to civilian life. Nevertheless, 86% believe it's crucial for veterans to remain connected, as it benefits their mental health and wellbeing (78%), preserves a sense of community (73%), and enables veterans to share their experiences (53%).
Catherine Lyver, for railcard.co.uk, said: "We're proud to support the veteran community through our Veterans Railcard, helping ex-service personnel save money on travel and making it easier to visit friends, attend reunions and maintain those all-important bonds. Whether it's travelling across the country to see fellow veterans or heading back to places that hold special memories from their time in service, we want to help veterans stay connected to the people and places that matter most."
