As there appear to be some people here who know what they are talking about, I hope the OP won't mind me stealing the thread to ask a couple of questions on pensions. Clearly I won't base my entire future life on the answers, will consult a professional etc, etc.....
According to the on-line pensions calculator, if I leave at 55 as a Sqn Ldr (probable worst case) I will get a lump sum and about £26k pa. So:
1. Will I get the state pension (about £5k pa) in addition to this (presumably at state retirement age)?
2. Will my wife get the state pension as well, assuming she has 30 years of NI contributions?
3. If she has, say, 22 years of NI contributions will she get 22/30 of the state pension?
4. Does this change if I live overseas (in the EU)?
5. If I top this up with an annuity, or some other investment, will I pay UK tax on that or overseas?
6. Will the service pensions people answer these types of questions?
Obviously I know things might change soon with service pensions.
Thanks.