Army training is harsh so the soldiers don't fold the first day in the field. They're already used to abuse and poor conditions. They might even like it.

Actually, that's also a very old method of indoctrinating people. Treat them like dirt, force them to endure bad conditions, and then tell them how very tough and elite they are. Only the best can do what they've done, and now they're fine enough to stay in the best army there ever was. Everyone wants to feel special.