What i don't understand is the concept of 'leaving early' when you've got to a pension point. Surely this is 'leaving on time'. I have had many conversations with people trying to decide why there is an exodus at 38/ 16years - the answer is simple - people have had a challenging career, their circumstances have changed, they could do with a change, and guess what - the military is now going to pay them a not insignificant amount forever, so long as they leave!