Why, my lad, a soldier's life is a gentleman's life in comparison.

Once you have learned your drill and know your duty you have an easy time of it.

Most of your time's your own.

When you are on a campaign you eat, drink, and are jolly at other folks' expense; and if you do get wet when you are on duty, you can generally manage to turn in dry when you are relieved.

It's not a bad life, my boy, I can tell you; and if you do your duty well, and you are steady, and civil, and smart, you are sure to get your stripes, especially if you can read and write, as I suppose you can." Jack nodded with a half smile.
"In that case," the sergeant said, "you may even in time get to be an officer.