It’s been a while since I’ve read “1984.” But if it is from there, it would be quite ironic. If our military disappeared, we’d all be sleeping a lot less soundly, or not sleeping at all.
It is quite ironic. You see that quote all over the place (Even on an Army poster!), but I think few people recall how it was used by Orwell. I’ll need to find my copy of the book, but I believe the “rough men” refered to by O’Brian (the torturer) were the Thought Police. It’s a great quote on it’s own, but put into context it takes on a darker and more foreboding message.