The Government and the MOD must be very, very careful.
In the wake of upcoming redundancies, the civil airline market picking up and on-going operations in Afghanistan and other areas, Armed Forces morale is close to breaking point.
Slashing allowances may seem like a logical cost-saving measure but if you have to offset that with training 500 specialist officers and other ranks in each service (Aircrew, EOD Specialists, Submariners and Divers) that have left the service it looks like false economy.
I agree that specialist pay shouldn't be paid if you are in a job that doesn't require your specialisation - but that is why there is a graduated reduction. Aircrew don't choose not to fly! - Manning post them for Service needs or career progression.
If we lose HDT, CEA, Daily Subsistence etc then I fear that the Military Covenant will be well and truly broken.
How can we expect our personnel to pay out of their own pocket for the priveledge of serving overseas, attending training courses or carrying out additional duties?
Out of interest - what was the total amount of MPs allowances claimed in the first 3 months of this parliment? Perhaps the expenditure review should take in all public sector workers?
I often work PH, 18hr + days but don't get overtime! And my 'specialist' pay is taxable but non-pensionable
If you look at an SACs/Privates wages and divide their daily rate by 24 hrs does it actually reflect minimum wage?