[PeteLockwood]

let me comment, i was discharged in december(after 4 or 5 weeks into training) for both health and personal issues, squaddies pay more than you think, you pay council tax (granted it is not a lot) you pay for washing (£90 per 6 month at catterick), food (£2 or so per day), accomodation (depends on the quality of your block, at catterick you pay full wack round about £3 a day) and you got insurance (wich they push upon you, believe me)

when you pass out you pay a lot more for your accomodation (not sure how much) but i do know food on base is £3.50 per day (at catterick)

and on top for the squaddies a lot of the equipment is BOUGHT not given for free (disgraceful) and you of course then get the idiots damageing property stealing etc (in wich the entire section / platoon must pay for) for your first 3 months you are lucky to clear £600 per month...

not much has changed, hugh you are correct, dazzer please get your facts right before hand