“old sweats”=old soldiers ?

[gonghoujun]

Dear Teachers,
I have read:
This was caused by the heavy pack and rifle slung on your shoulders. One of the “old sweats” said that we'd get used to it. We had two “old sweats”, Irishmen, who had been in the army since they were boys and were now in their forties, they knew all the ropes, nice chaps, but cunning.
Then,“old sweats”=old soldiers ?
Thanks for replying!
G.

[Anglika]

Yes.