Yes in those not so good old days soldiers, sailors, and airman had to do a lot more with less, pay was poor, and their family was not treated well.  Nowadays the current millennial soldier can buy a home and nice cars and toys in expensive Hawaii with their generous off post allowances.   See a lot of folks in uniform during working hours in Costco and Walmart...and now $90K to re-enlist?   My how times have changed.