How did the term "Ate Up" get translated from the Army being a derogatory statement to the Air Force, which means squared away?

Commentary - ‘Ate Up’

How often have you heard of the term "Ate up" to describe an individual who is a little involved with the military way of life. You may have even used it yourself from time to time and quite often this term has been connected to a negative connotation. But is it? Is being "Ate up" a bad thing? br /