As usual, Al R, well said Sir.
In fact the Armed Forces Benefits Calculator is quick to crow about our pensions...
The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is a non-contributory pension scheme; this figure, therefore, provides you with an indication of the amount of money the MoD contributes annually on your behalf towards your pension. The value quoted is based on SCAPE rates, which are routinely valued by the Government Actuary’s Department. However, this figure is illustrative only, and does not represent the value accruing to your pension. SCAPE rates represent the amount the MOD contributes per person for the total cost of Armed Forces pensions, not the amount payable to individuals.
If you wish to calculate how much your annual pension might be worth in terms of income, you may wish to visit the Armed Forces Pension Calculator, or if you would like to gain an idea of what a pension might cost in the private sector, you may wish to visit the Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB) Pension Calculator.
LJ