Another One For The Team.

[noviceman1]

1a) Army officer works off-site amid banter.(5,2,5)
I do not have any letters completed in this one.
????? ?? ?????
Brief breakdown please if poss.

[mac44]

Chief of staff

[dannyk13]

Chief of staff

[dannyk13]

Anagram of off site in chaff (banter)

[retrocop]

chaff (banter and (of site ) I suppose.

[noviceman1]

Thanks folks,I will have to have a look at the way I am tackling these type clues in order to pick them up.
They are definitely holding up my rather slow progress with cryptic crosswords.
If anyone would like to comment with any suggestions Tec please do.

[retrocop]

Hi noviceman. If the DM cryptic is new to you remember Rome isn't built in a day.
I believe that you have to try to finish but if you are really stuck then this site is the one to consult.
You will always be offered assistance without ridicule and a breakdown will almost always be supplied when asked. This gradually gives "you a feel" as to how this particular compiler's mind works and what he is driving at. Persevere and it wont take long to get to grips with. Trust me I cut my teeth on cryptics not so long ago on this very crossword but not be quite so quick to solve,say, the Times or Telegraph yet. Vocabulary helps plus ability to see anagrams when they often appear. Good luck.Keep at it we are a friendly team here.

[dannyk13]

Good advice from Retro.Stick with it.

[noviceman1]

It is answers like this that give me the will to persevere and encourage me to get it right
As you people probably know it can be a bit frustrating at times but I ain't giving up yet
Thanks for your words of advice and look out for me among the Stuck again questions

[retrocop]

No worries noviceman. Welcome and we look forward to helping you out until we are no longer required (sob Sob). That means you won't need the services of the good old stalwarts like danny,Margo,Mac and Captain to name a few.You might enjoy the friendly rivalry and banter as well. Those named are pretty much specialists in ALL crosswords. For my part I only have time to do the DM cryptic and the smallest/hardest.