I do vaguely remember something coming 'round about this a while back..possibly an AFBLT visit. They had completed a survey after The Commons had issued a directive regarding this very issue. It concluded that as a whole we are in most respects better off than most of our NATO/EU allies. My fellow POW (Yank) out here confirmed today that they only get paid their wage Tax-Free to a specified limit, that being the most that a WO class 2 (US) could expect to take home Tax-Free.....still,however, not an inconsequential amount! The French are the poorest paid out of the lot (excluding former WarPac Nations with whom we now work), but the Frog POW on my unit hinted that they do take 'Troop Entertainment Facilities' i.e a 'Battle Field Brothel' when they deploy large amounts of troops! Come on Buff how about it? (I sincerely hope Mrs Huey doesn't read this!!!!!!!!!)