Watchtower will probably claim the tents where for worship gatherings! For example tents for Jewish temples in the deserts and now Christian meeting places. Or for travelling merchants. Anything but the army, of course, the most obvious market!
I too used to ponder Cornelius being baptised, when I was a JW.
Neat Blue dog That scripture shows Watchtower doctrine really does not make sense - their demanding you pass their "test" before you can get baptised!