Contrary to popular belief, the Army does not offer perks such as free housing or food. Soldiers "living in" have to pay for their accommodation unless, as is often the case, it is classified as "sub-standard".

The downsides of a free room are that one is always easily available for unexpected duties and guests are not permitted. Married quarters were a feature of Army life in the past and are rapidly being phased out. Food is provided while a soldier is on exercise or on courses in the field, and a subsistence allowance is paid for security duties. Officers also get a uniform allowance of £668 a year for upkeep of their dress uniform.

A fully qualified private earns £282 per week; at the other end of the enlisted scale, a sergeant-major's basic pay will rise to £428 per week. A full lieutenant starts on £17,087 a year, while the pay of a medical colonel could rise to £52,651. All ranks receive a Military Service Allowance of more than £2,000. As public servants, military personnel pay a lower rate of PRSI.

There are other allowances: Border duty, £48 a day; service in Lebanon, an average £28 a day; bomb disposal duty, £46 a day; and members of the Ranger Wing earn an additional £74 a week.