Well,
I read your topic with interest. I was married to a man a lot older than me who was in the Army, and personally it works only if the person in relationship understands, the time you will spend away, that they will not always know where you are depending on what goes on in the world and what regiment you are with. Where I come from, Army men were a way of escaping Ireland's troubles, so therefore i see your point on exploitation whether as a meal ticket, or other form of escapism.

As far as age is concerned in a relationship, girls mature faster than guys and sometimes are wary of a relationship with younger guy.