These are tough times for public money so the employer will want the very best for their cash.
no offence but thats just a horse*** rationalisation, the last 2 times they recruited were better in terms of public money available but the situation for a none ex-mil peep was no different then.
We all know they want ex-mil but they go through the PC nonsense of saying they are an "equal opportunity employer" to satisfy the auditors etc.
anyhow I dont even know why I am complaining, because I wouldnt want the crappy pay they are offering for someone of such tremendous experience anyway. let alone the the inevitably reduced pay coming further down the down with NPAS !