Hey PP, I am chilled mate, but you asked why the difference in pay, and I gave you an honest answer!!! You are right, ex-mils pension,my pension, whoever, nothing to do with the company that employs you...but, the companies know that ex-mil guys in most cases have pensions so offer lower wages.....99% of police, hems etc employ ex-mil, so there's your answer....
Skills set...Hmmm, just different requirements for different jobs whether it be offshore, SAR, Hems whatever....Single pilot in crap weather, you'll work hard.. Two crew offshore, you'll both work hard!! New co-jo, night & bad weather,he/she will be maxed out and you'll be working bloody hard watching everything!!! Different skills for different jobs.....
Shytorque, not blaming you or others for taking the only jobs available at the time, but lets be honest the reason Hems,Police pay etc is so low because of ex- mil guys taking the lower pay....that's the truth, plain and simple.
PH.