While the term 'army veteran' suggests a grizzled old warrior from one of the great conflicts of the last century, this needn't be the case. An army veteran could be someone who participated in the Malaysian troubles, served in any of the former British colonial outposts such as Aden or Hong Kong, did a tour of duty in Northern Island, or was involved in the 1991 Gulf War. Add to this involvement in peace keeping missions and duties resulting from the war on terror and you have broad array of army veterans who served in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq or Afghanistan.
After serving in the army, especially in violent conflicts many veterans find it hard to readjust when they return home. The problems they face can include escalating mental health problems, alcoholism and family breakdowns. There's also the well-publicised "Gulf War Syndrome" in which veterans of the Middle East conflict report a range of worrisome symptoms both physical and psychological.
Fortunately, a number of organisations exist to help army veterans re-adjust to civilian life. In the UK, these include the well-known Royal British Legion which runs social clubs around the UK along with Forces Reunited which organise reunions for ex-servicemen. The 'Legion', as its affectionately known is also the driving force behind the annual Remembrance Day. Also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day, this event in November remembers all the members of the armed forces who sacrificed so much for their country.
After serving in the army, especially in violent conflicts many veterans find it hard to readjust when they return home. The problems they face can include escalating mental health problems, alcoholism and family breakdowns. There's also the well-publicised "Gulf War Syndrome" in which veterans of the Middle East conflict report a range of worrisome symptoms both physical and psychological.
Fortunately, a number of organisations exist to help army veterans re-adjust to civilian life. In the UK, these include the well-known Royal British Legion which runs social clubs around the UK along with Forces Reunited which organise reunions for ex-servicemen. The 'Legion', as its affectionately known is also the driving force behind the annual Remembrance Day. Also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day, this event in November remembers all the members of the armed forces who sacrificed so much for their country.