Would anyone happen to know if this is simly a case of 'life's tough - get over it' or would there not be more of a look case by case to determine salary etc...
You need to start by knowing your place, and your place will be at the bottom of the pile. You will be paid according to your rank, and your rank progression will be determined by your qualifications on joining. Your 'experience' in the city is of no relevance to the RAF, as you will soon discover.
You need to be cautious with this "I worked in the city, I deserve more" attitude. You will not last 5 minutes at IOT if you take that with you.
Best of luck.