We are a British family going to New York for Xmas.my son is in the British army.Should he take his ID card with him , I've been told military people are well treat there.?
Not sure what advantage or potential to show/use it would be. Have any of your American posters or maybe frequent visitors any advice or recommendations, please ?
I ask as it is not advisable in Britain to advertise the fact one is in the military,yet I believe the American military even have their own lounge at JFK!!!
Thank you in advance for any tips ,
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There are lounges for serving military in many American airports, not just JFK, even some small ones near the major facilities have them. I am not sure what the reaction would be for a non US soldier turning up at the door, but I'll hazard a guess that it will be more than welcoming. These lounges are nearer the AA model (and below) than the Concorde Room however! I am not sure taking one's ID on holiday is a good idea in terms of it getting lost (and the ensuing hassle) but then it's possible that US Customs Border Protection may ask for proof of employment - as they would do for anyone entering the States, particularly for the first time. However there are other sorts of proof which could be used. There is a flag on their computer which indicates someone is employed by Allied Forces.
Indeed the US takes a very, very different approach to advertising their men and women serving in their Armed Forces (perhaps a bit over the top) but the UK is sliding gently in this direction too, having been too long in the category you describe. When Northern Ireland was going on you could understand why, less so now. It's not so unusual to see arriving soldiers in uniform at EDI in particular and to some extent T5.
Yes... the USO lounges and other benefits for servicemen are I believe officially reserved for US military (and often retired US military)...
As an ex-Aussie Navy guy I have found Americans appreciative of "service" by ANYONE...Allies as well... but whether that would translate into the extension of those benefits.... Sorry.. No idea.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trooper
Yes... the USO lounges and other benefits for servicemen are I believe officially reserved for US military (and often retired US military)...
As an ex-Aussie Navy guy I have found Americans appreciative of "service" by ANYONE...Allies as well... but whether that would translate into the extension of those benefits.... Sorry.. No idea.
I have the feeling that they have generally tightened up on what used to be a fairly Global approach to things like Military Discounts. Nowadays it often states clearly "Serving US Military Personnel" or similar. However, they do IME remain highly appreciative - I even got a "Thank you for your service" from an Immigration guy at IAD last year.
Back to the original question - probably no tangible advantage to be had from taking his MOD90. However, as "mobile ID" it's more convenient than a passport, although a UK Drivers' Licence would serve just as well.
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military ID cards in USA ?
There is also military rates advertised at many tourist type places, such as the 911 memorial.
They were actively seeking out any nationality of forces, fire, police etc for discounted entry with ID
cs
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Thank you for your comments.
Apart from him maybe losing his ID card ,, I think it can do no harm to take it with him,any military discount into places will be gratefully accepted, .
Ii know he is very proud of his achievements so far in being a soldier.
So far we plan to visit , ground zero, a helicopter ride, Central Park , American football march, sttatton island, a broadway show ,whatever is on, Empire State Building, and whatever else we can fit in 6 days...so any discount offered even just for him would be super and make him feel appreciated..
As I spend all my spare time reading thr BA forum and enjoying especially peeps reports, I make a solemn promise to write a trip report on our return,
Thanks guys
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Hi,
I can confirm anyone with a military/police ID from the UK will get a discount at the Empire State and Statue of Liberty. Also bring some military related patches, the American cops love them! Helpful when going to the Statue of Liberty, there are long queues but if you give some patches to the US Parks Police they will bring you to the front of the queue
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military ID cards in USA ?
I carry an MOD Form 90 ID card like your son; I am an RAF Reserves officer. I was informed recently on an official security course that the ID card is not to be taken out of the UK unless on military business. The same also applies for travel to Northern Ireland.
Your son really should get out the habit of taking the card abroad with him. Whilst the USA is a friendly country and very respectful towards veterans and members of the military, not all foreign countries and their police/security forces have the same attitude.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MAN-FF
I carry an MOD Form 90 ID card like your son; I am an RAF Reserves officer. I was informed recently on an official security course that the ID card is not to be taken out of the UK unless on military business. The same also applies for travel to Northern Ireland.
Your son really should get out the habit of taking the card abroad with him. Whilst the USA is a friendly country and very respectful towards veterans and members of the military, not all foreign countries and their police/security forces have the same attitude.
MAN-FF
You probably have an RAF F1250, then. Or have they all been combined?
However, your comment on current regulations is very pertinent. Leave it at home and blag it, then!
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I can confirm anyone with a military/police ID from the UK will get a discount at the Empire State and Statue of Liberty. Also bring some military related patches, the American cops love them! Helpful when going to the Statue of Liberty, there are long queues but if you give some patches to the US Parks Police they will bring you to the front of the queue
Bribing a police officer isn't an arrest able offence in the u.s?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T8191
Quote:
Originally Posted by MAN-FF
I carry an MOD Form 90 ID card like your son; I am an RAF Reserves officer. I was informed recently on an official security course that the ID card is not to be taken out of the UK unless on military business. The same also applies for travel to Northern Ireland.
Your son really should get out the habit of taking the card abroad with him. Whilst the USA is a friendly country and very respectful towards veterans and members of the military, not all foreign countries and their police/security forces have the same attitude.
MAN-FF
You probably have an RAF F1250, then. Or have they all been combined?
However, your comment on current regulations is very pertinent. Leave it at home and blag it, then!
No it's an MOD 90 now. The RAF F1250 was before my time so I don't know exactly when it was phased out in favour of issuing all UK armed forces with the same ID card.
