My brother was an EM in an AF civil engineering unit. They built tent cities on Anderson AFB, Guam, in the early seventies, but if the AF is going any place to stay, they believe in keeping up morale. I’ve stayed in former AF enlisted billets on Shemya (Eareckson AS), as a contractor. Not half bad.
The correct answer, of course, is “If you want to live in AF barracks, join the AF.”
Traditionally, rank was a lot easier in the Army, but living conditions a little more Spartan. Also, the Army offered shorter initial enlistments. In the day, you could take a two-year hitch in the Army, AF was minimum of four. A lot of first termers weren’t sure they wanted a four year commitment.
Speaking as a former Army EM, people in other branches weren’t even sure if the AF was actually part of the Armed Forces.