What would you say?

That's another good question that gets to me as well and to be honest, i bullshit them. I tell them I had split service (which I did) and usually tell them "Just over 10 years" even if it's not that at all. It usually shuts them up, but then they ask the "Pension" question to which i reply, "That's personal information and I don't make it a habit to ask people what their income or salary is" and they usually leave it alone after that.

Thanks, my favorite.....with a cup of tea please...Bug Out

Thanks Bug Out. That makes me feel better. I'm going to make the best ever chocolate cake in your honour.

That is a great response to that unwelcomed invasion of your privacy so therefore I would keep saying it like that if it comes up again. Good for you.
Bug Out

So many times I have been approached by people since my release and they all say the same thing, friends and family alike. "How long did you serve?"
At first it didn't bother me, when people would say, "only 5 years !". Then I felt that some where just asking to see if I got a pension, and checking to see what my income might be. Out of the dozens of people that asked me this question, only one had ever served. I have started to respond now by saying: "How long have you served?" What would you say?