When I was a young recruit, there was an incident in Aldershot when a couple of soldiers were beaten up by a gang of Teddy-boys, -which should date it,- and we were ORDERED not to go there in groups of less than 3, ordered to wear boots and belts,(Normally illegal, and belts being a considerable weapon) and ordered to check out any fracas, in case soldiers needed help.
Soldiers are not policemen, and they didn't join the army because they are shrinking violets. If you go looking for trouble with soldiers you will probably find it.