pongoid
as for the mark time pay thing, I think it only applies to reg army/navy etc. As ex army, I went through AAITC on mark time pay, but a TA lad who had been on tour with reg units was only paid as a recuit. However if that is the case, you should only be on p**s poor wages for about six months , three of which you are in basic training cleaning bogs alnight etc.
Anyway, best of luck - the RAF's grass REALLY IS GREENER than the Army's
d1w1