Df
I wouldn't be so sure of your last point
The Armed Forces are subject to the Equal Pay Act 1970 - however, that relates to differences in pay between men and women doing the same, or comparable, work. There is even a specific Statutory Instrument (1997 No 2162) The Equal Pay (Complaints to Industrial Tribunals) (Armed Forces) Regulations 1997 - link is here:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1997/19972162.htm