Hi Chris and welcome to the forum!
I used to be in the RAF and never had any problem with any insurance, I have more problems with it now than when I was a serviceman.
I have a 5 door 1.8 ex and I love it.......would love a Type R but have 3 boys and the type R only has 4 seats

! I have had mine for 18 months and never tire of driving it and have been very lucky with hardly any problems!
I also 'did' Akrotiri nearly 10 years ago now and loved that too....What trade group are you? do you still get your perks of the tax free car and if so are you buying it from there?
So many questions!!