It's different now.

Men are picked and must have seen active service, and then they're sent off to cadet training corps.

But last year I could have got one easily.

And I might have been kicking my heels about England now." "Yet, at the sight of a Sam Browne belt, Phyllis would have surely recanted," said I.
"I didn't want the girl I intended to marry and pass my life with to have her head turned by such trappings as a Sam Browne belt.

She has had to be taught that she is going to marry a man.