Very true. I just got used to drinking the Arabic sodas onboard the various navy ships I've deployed on. Once we get to the Gulf, Arabian soda is all we drink and it's all sweetened with sugar. Many of the younger sailors have never had sugar-sweetened Coke, Mt. Dew and Pepsi until they get to the Gulf.
My son would probably not agree with you. He was nineteen when he was first deployed. He would get so upset because those over 21 got to get off the ship at ports. They made the young ones stay on the ship and drink sodas:’) (which was fine with me).