Herkman - true - in UK as well.
Still have memories of walking into the mess at RAF Valley many years ago, after a flight.
To a civvy oik - it looked spartan and run-down in the extreme, and still remember the guys were munching on girl guide biscuits and drinking tea out of stained white cups.
Had just been up in a small jet which looked brand new and shiny black from the outside, but on climbing up into the office, everything was scratched, bashed, worn, faded and very well used.
People who accuse armed forces of wasting money need to spend a little time with those at the sharp end.