Up until three years ago I worked as an assistant nurse at an aged care facility. Fourteen years in total. The last pay rise we received was .23c Im pretty sure taking my hourly rate up to $18.30. Annual income in the low thirties. We jumped up and down on many occasions at how much less we were earning compared to those working in hospitals. To no avail of course. It was a struggle believe me.
I would imagine the soldiers, as well as being paid quite well would receive free or cheap housing, paid travel etc. not too hard done by.
Then there's the parliamentarians, the most privileged of all giving themselves payrises, unreasonably large ones. Other than adding yet more tax to already hugely taxed items, they seem to be quite comfortable and not at all guilty receiving their fat pay packets and bonuses.