Service number
A service number is an identification code used to easily 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. Canada began using “Regimental Numbers” during the First World War. During the Second World War, units were allocated blocks of Regimental Numbers to issue out, usually in the 5 or 6 digit range, though extremely low numbers were also possible due to the blocks. The Social Insurance Number (SIN) replaced the reigmental number in the 1960s.
