No argument here. Yet look at the numbers. All four branches are currently meeting manning quotas, Army and Marines included, and they're doing so without waivers. Try getting into the military today with a DUI or drug conviction on your record. No thanks. Tats below short-sleeves? There's the door!
Now, obviously the lousy economy is playing a huge part in this. Will the DADT repeal by itself bring the numbers down? I honestly don't know. My money says that retention and recruitment goals will continue to be met (perhaps begrudgingly) until the civilian economy improves. There's just not much out there right now.
Not so sure I want to serve with people who settle on the service as a last resort. Sort of like well I never wanted to go into the military, but I can’t find any other work. That’s not the type of people I want to serve with IMHO.