Did I waste 3 years ?

I'm 24 male and in the military currently overseas. I've had feelings for someone I haven't seen in almost 3 years. Long story short he was someone I went through training with. I would not classify myself as a gay guy or him by any stretch. We where bunk mates then classmates then finally room mates. It's important to note he asked to move in with me. I was more than ok with the idea because we got along great ! One day we where walking to class and he caught me off guard. He asked how often do you think of me ? I think shockingly to his surprise I answered honestly. I said quite a lot actually. He smiled and said me too... As the days moved on I became more attached. We would wrestle in our undies and generally do some less than straight things. Nothing that ever sealed the deal. We go close one night be he pussed out. I never forced anything to happen. In fact this is one of the hardest parts to wrap my head around.It was organic, playful and natural. I honestly have never felt a bond or attraction to someone like that since then. One time after class we went back to the room and unwinded. He was playing destiny and I was watching. He must have thought I went insane. I was so happy for no reason in that moment. I just couldn't stop smiling. Then laughing/crying. I've never felt so naturally high in my life. I was hooked. I pampered him,would buy him food and clothes and just about anything else He wanted. And it was cool. We found out one day we would not be going to the same base. Our finally test was coming up and I hardly noticed. Being preoccupied I didn't study. He passed and I failed. The next day I drove him to the airport and that was it. I have not seen him since. We kept up our relationship over the phone. Snapchat helped at times we have racked up 500 + days streak over base moves and deployments despite being in 4 different time zones It's still going to this day. That's commitment to something right ? Who the fuck does that? He would call me I would listen to his new base life and help him try to adjust.I tired to get orders to the same base but nothing happened. I was going to my base like it or not. the next part is telling as to how the tone of this relationship will continue. After I got to my base I was still determined to get to his base. After a year an option for me to get base of preference came up after I signed to extent my enlistment. This would also require me to move for a hardship tour. No big deal move across the world at a additional rate of 3 years. Done so I did! Over the years he does get jealous when I have a girl around or display attraction towards someone else and likewise I do the same. I guess what I'm getting at is I dedicated a lot of time to this relationship with some expectation it could grow into something much more significant. If I'm just getting strung along I just want to know why? What is he getting out of it? Should I thank him for the good times we had and be done ? It's always been a 60/40 thing. I just don't know why he keeps me around knowing damn well he isn't going to do anything. It's like he like to see me mad or upset because it validates that I still care... idk reddit what do you think ?