Just 2 things Dom. Servicemen after 1974 who serve any length of time do get a pension at age 60 called a preserved pension. Those that complete 22 years get or did get their pension on completion of the 22 yrs not age related although it is frozen at the rate given till age 55 then becomes index linked. Thos that served prior to 1974 had to complete 22 years to get any pension as you say.
Re the police starting pay and service pay, one thing you miss is the police Officer is paying around £3000 from their salary for pension the serviceman doesn't. It was always taken that service pay was reduced by 10% to pay for pension although it is said to be free pension. The servicemen now also gets bounties for periods of service i.e. completing 2 or 3 years. They also now have a completely different pension since 2005 which I don't understand.

I have both these pensions but the police one for me is not great as I was 40 when I joined. It is based on completing 30 years, 1/60 salary for each complete year first 20 years, 2/60 per year for service over 20 years up to 30. So although I served 18 years well over half the pensionable service I don't get even !/2 the pension, because I could never reach the 20 year point. So in effect you earn as much pension in the last 10 years as you do in first 20. So better joining young not at 40 like me.

Like you say there is a lot said about both service and Police pensions especially in these days of poor returns from private pensions. However people are surprised when you tell them the average PC is paying nearly £350 per month pension contributions.

thanks for putting me right Bob, but it still goes to show there can be discrepancies between the perceived and the actuality.

and lets face it, whilst it takes dedication to drive round in a patrol car during a night shift but go home to a proper bed, it takes more dedication to sleep in a canvas camp bed for 6 months and not go home at night.

I have every sympathy for the guys in the army, much less for the average policeman whose credibility is being shot to hell by the (in)actions of his/her colleagues in cases like the "plebgate" and NoW phone hacking etc etc etc that are bringing discredit to many people who wear the same uniform but are not involved or would even consider being so.

rgds

Not disputing your views Dom as I say I had 22 doing one 18 the other both very different challenges but yes the squaddie certainly has the harder life. Just one point good and bad everywhere cops included.