It’s not common as far as overall jobs go. The weird exceptions and stories get more attention online, make them seem more frequent than they are.
I’ve never worked anywhere or been interviewed at a place that asked this absurd schedule of their employees.
Sadly, it’s spot-on for startups that have the power of belief as a core work ethic. They want devotees and they’ll find them. Most techies are no more immune to cults than average (‘I just want to feel like I belong somewhere’ etc.), and it reads like someone running a playbook that they found in a military recruiting manual. Not many will bite, but those that do will have an unquenchable fervor for the great work. At least it’s refreshingly competent psyops!
Even the military doesn’t run people this hard because it’s not sustainable for normal people. For jobs where workers need to think, sufficient rest and time away is required.
Yes, the military is typically better than this, agreed.