Postbag: Kept apart by archaic Army rules

I AM currently a serving soldier of 15 years and am in a relationship with another Warrant Officer who I have been with for  eight years. We have a two-year-old daughter and have significant commitments – howe...

Postbag: What an absolute shower!

OUR family moved to our current SFA in Larkhill in December 2011. On move-in it was apparent the property lacked any form of shower, not even an over-the-bath type. This is not a sufficient reason to turn down ...

Postbag: CEA scrutiny is unfair

WE HAVE recently undergone the stress of having our Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) certificate queried and been vindicated. The process has been stressful, slow and uncommunicative. I support wholehear...

Penalised by rank

THE letter and reply in spring’s Army&You about Longer Separation Allowance (LSA) being taxed did not raise the question of why it is done at the rate of income tax. My husband’s salary is taxed at 40 per ...

Why should we accept poor standards?

WE MOVED into our quarter in December 2014 and noted a number of problems, including mould in the kitchen and rubbish dumped in the communal areas. The housing officer also told us about a blown double glazing...

Postbag: Have you got the X-Factor?

X-FACTOR, the additional element of a soldier’s pay provided for the inconveniences of Service life, is a magician’s hat – with many things seemingly included. I would be grateful for answers to the following q...

Postbag: Is Army Reserve up to scratch?

A FRIEND of mine is now a Reservist having previously been a Regular soldier. I understand the Army’s need to reduce manning costs, but having heard her description of her most-recent training weekend I am unco...

Postbag: On the fence

HOW many organisations does it take to replace a fence panel? Apparently more than the two currently involved – MHS and DIO! Various fence panels came down in my garden over the winter storms. They remain stre...

Allowance cut unfair

A RECENT Defence Information Notice details a reduction in married Service personnel’s entitlement to check their Privately Maintained Property (PMP) from 24 to four journeys per year.  It was deemed not nec...

Bonus blues

I HEARD bonuses are being paid out to soldiers after 16 years of service. This came as a surprise because during my husband’s 22 years with the Army he has never received a bonus. When he joined, he was prom...