Veterans use military slang to stay connected after service

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 11:44 · Archive

A survey of over 4,000 veterans found nearly half use military slang to evoke positive memories and strengthen bonds.

A survey of more than 4,000 Veterans Railcard holders found that military veterans continue using service slang long after leaving the forces. Nearly half (48%) said using familiar phrases such as 'civvies' (civilian clothes), 'hoofing' (excellent), 'doss bag' (sleeping bag), 'on the double', 'scran' and 'AWOL' evokes positive memories from their time in service. A further 27% said it strengthens a sense of camaraderie, whilst 24% reported feeling a powerful sense of belonging when using the language.

Many veterans struggle with isolation after service. The survey found that camaraderie and friendship (44%) and travelling to new places (20%) are among the things they miss most. Around 22% feel disconnected from friends made during service, citing loss of friendships, routine and support networks as reasons they found it difficult to adjust to civilian life. Veterans take an average of 17 months to feel settled back in civilian life.

Distance presents the biggest barrier to maintaining connections: 54% of those surveyed said living far apart from fellow veterans makes staying in touch harder, whilst work commitments (47%) and family responsibilities (42%) also play a significant role. Despite 79% believing it vital to maintain those bonds, only 22% manage to meet up every few months, and 19% arrange reunions just once a year. Half of those surveyed expressed interest in connecting with fellow veterans from different generations.

How it is being reported

• Veterans use military slang to stay connected as distance remains top barrierNew research shows many veterans still use military slang long after leaving service with to evoke positive memories and connect with others - as distance can make it difficult to keep in touchThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 11:21
• Veterans keep military slang alive as distance hinders staying connectedStudy finds many veterans feel isolated after leaving the forces - but familiar military slang can rekindle camaraderie and bring back happier memories.Daily Express · 21 Oct, 10:50

In this story: Veterans Railcard

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