Given the **** our forces have to put up with from TPTB I can understand why upgrading their VHF kit is not very high on their list of priorities.
I don't want this to turn into a forces slagging thread. It just so happens that the first time I really struggled was with a military frequency.
I find that if you turn the volume up so that it is far too loud that for some reason that makes it easier to understand.
I tend to have it turned up quite loud anyway, 'cos I'm always worried about missing something. I was actually wondering if I had it too loud, and that was adding to the problem. But maybe not.
also try leaning forward and squinting while you are listening, that can help
That's EXACTLY what I caught myself doing!
also if you have a passenger or an instructor next to you, elbow them in the ribs and say "what did he/she say"
That's usually what I end up doing, which may explain why I haven't had much trouble with R/T until I'm on my own!