You did your 20 years - and it was a fairly cushy number - they fed you better and more regularly than the rest of the population, they provided the kit and you really didn't fight that often. The accommodation was a cut above what anyone else had- running water, kitchens, bathhouses, sewers. (actually probably better than you get on some UK bases right now).
When you did fight you were in probably the world's best organised outfit.
After you did your 20 they'd give you a plot of land somewhere decent and I think you got a termination bonus. And the lads would have collection for you.
Damn site better than the British Army of say Wellington's time.