Totally agree the Benefits rise is wrong, that sends out the totally wrong signals, but as for as Forces pay rise the Country is still skint........ God I wish I had one over the last few years, but I realise that we have to tighten our belts to survive, I just wish all of those on the public purse thought likewise...... but that said, as with mine, your Military Careers will eventually come to an end and one will then realise the Grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence, well unless you are serving in the Sandpit!