A service number is an identification code used to identify a person within a large group. Service numbers are most often associated with the military; however, they may be used in civilian term as well. Social Security Numbers may be seen as types of service numbers.
The term "serial number" is often seen as synonym of service number; however, a serial number more accurately describes manufacture and product codes, rather than personnel identification. In the Canadian military, a "Serial Number" referred to a unique number assigned each unit that mobilized for the Second World War.
Read more about Service Number: Australia, Canada, Nazi Germany, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States
Famous quotes containing the words service and/or number:
“We could not help being struck by the seeming, though innocent, indifference of Nature to these mens necessities, while elsewhere she was equally serving others. Like a true benefactress, the secret of her service is unchangeableness. Thus is the busiest merchant, though within sight of his Lowell, put to pilgrims shifts, and soon comes to staff and scrip and scallop-shell.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
“Can it be, that the Greek grammarians invented their dual number for the particular benefit of twins?”
—Herman Melville (18191891)