Soldiering, especially for army troops, often means living in primitive conditions. This usually happens when the troops are out in the field. But Britain recently discovered that a third of its soldiers were living in quite primitive (usually rather ancient) barracks. Some of the accommodations lack heat or hot water. The 19th century dwellings are otherwise livable, and the young men who comprise most of the occupants don't complain much. It's a macho thing, they know they won't be there very long and the pay is pretty good. But the word is out and soon new barracks will be built. The troops may not appreciate this if it becomes known that the money for the new quarters came at the expense of new weapons and equipment. That's why the barracks were not upgraded for so long in the first place.