The Scottish National Party is to consider a proposal to grant "enhanced terms and conditions" to personnel in an independent Scottish Defence Force, including the official right of representation by a recognised body. UPDATE: The proposals were unanimously approved by the SNP party conference at Perth on Friday 18 Oct. More to follow.

In the final 'myth-busting' instalment from the NEM team, they attempt to convince us that our allowances will not be cut further and that our pay system will become more fair and transparent.

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Yesterday, I expressed relief that subsidised accommodation would be retained under the New Employment Model (NEM), but pondered at what cost. Today, Chief of Defence Personnel, Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory, has replied:

I am sure that Servicemen are relieved to hear that the MoD will continue to provide subsidised accommodation to those with a need for it, but the killer question will be at what cost?

In the second of five articles from the New Employment Model (NEM) team, Chief of Defence Personnel, Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory attempts to reassure us that the NEM proposals will not dramatically reduce the 'offer'.

Across the Services, we have witnessed what can be likened to a death of a thousand cuts in terms of not only our pay, but also our allowances. In comparison to other public sector employees, the Ministry of Defence must be delighted that there is no single unified voice to speak out in our interest.

The Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference will be asked to endorse the right of representation by an armed forces federation.

As the SCC and the MoD get stuck into negotiations as to the form of Armed Forces Ombudsman, we should celebrate that at least the argument as to the need for change has been won. But what arrangements will be made for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) personnel in the new style procedures to handle Service Complaints (SC)?

With the nation's media focused on our future sovereign, could there be a better day to try to hide bad news? The quote 'Lies, damned lies and statistics' I am sure has been uttered at both the MOD and in the Army HQ in the past few days, but what is BAFF's view of the AFCAS survey published today?