Veterans who have released from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) between February 2016 and September 2018 can now apply online for the Veteran’s Service Card.

The Department of National Defence (DND) and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) announced the Veteran’s Service Card in September 2018, which is being distributed in three stages in close consultation with VAC.

The first stage, which began in September, is ongoing. All CAF members who are eligible receive the card automatically upon their release.

The second and current stage sees Veteran’s Service Card distribution began on 03 December, 2018.

Stage three will begin during the summer of 2019 when cards will be produced and issued upon request to all eligible veterans who released prior to February 2016.

The 2008 Government of Canada definition of “veteran” as “any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who completed basic training and has been honourably released” is used to determine eligibility. The Veteran’s Service Card will include each member’s years of service”.

Introducing the Veteran’s Service Card falls under one of the new initiatives in Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE). It is part of a renewed commitment by the CAF to further enhance the way it supports its members, veterans, and their families.

“People are at the core of everything the Canadian Armed Forces does to deliver on its mandate,” Lieutenant-General Lamarre, Commander Military Personnel Command said. “Introducing the Veteran’s Service Card is one small way we can show our members that we are committed to enhancing their support throughout their careers and when they transition to become veterans”, he added.

The Veteran’s Service Card will provide a tangible symbol of recognition for former members, and encourages an enduring affiliation with the CAF. It has no expiry date and it is not intended for use as an ID card, pursuant to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and other guidelines on official identification cards.

All serving CAF members and veterans are encouraged to register for a MY VAC Account with VAC.

For more information, please visit www.canada.ca/veterans-service-card.

For more information on the Veteran’s Service Card and other SSE initiatives, follow the Canadian Armed Forces on CAF Facebook, and on Twitter @CanadianForces.