The soldiers who ask John what they must do are not like members of our armed services. These are not the brave, self-sacrificing men and women who comprise our defense forces. These are Jewish men who serve a foreign power by oppressing their own people. The people regard these soldiers, not as Jewish heroes, but as Jewish traitors. These soldiers are mercenaries who sell their services to the Roman occupiers of Palestine.
Roman soldiers can expect to receive substantial rewards for their service.
If not citizens of Rome, they can be become citizens. They can retire and receive grants of land on the borders of the empire. They receive salaries. If the commander of Roman soldiers becomes emperor, he pays off his armed supporters from the treasury. The soldiers who come out to John, however, are not Roman soldiers.