Airmen and airwomen are the beneficiaries of a major win recently following the introduction of a 20 per cent increase in field allowance.

The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) agreed to the increase, which took effect on March 14, based on arguments that the fundamental nature of service had changed since the allowance was last reviewed in 1995.

Basic to the ADF's case in proposing the increase was that field service had changed through the introduction of new high-tech equipment, an increase in operational tempo and an increase in the frequency of training in Australia's north.

The DFRT found that the basic structure of existing Field Allowance was sound and would remain in place as a two tier allowance recognising differing levels of disability associated with service in the field environment.

It also added a special discretionary clause that would allow the payment of tier one in lieu of tier two in special circumstances where prolonged field service occurs.

Following the introduction, which applies to both tiers of the allowance, tier one will increase from $17.6 to $21.17 per day.

Air Commodore Ken Birrer, Director General Personnel - Air Force said: 'A 20 per cent increase, especially in the current environment, is a clear recognition that deployed operations are a 24-hour commitment and that Air Force personnel are having to do much more in that environment'.

He also acknowledged that the DFRT accepted the circumstances in which personnel find themselves now is significantly different to when the last review of service allowance was carried out.

'This decision addresses the increased workload (operating environment) of our deployed personnel and personnel undergoing training in the field environment,' said AIRCDRE Birrer.

The DFRT is scheduled to look at Service Allowance in September.

By CPL Mark Eaton