And I think you are a flaming optimist believing that maybe 10% of downandouters claiming to be vets actually are. I’m going with more like 1%. The sign-toting panhandlers (help a vet) never know what their unit was, what their MOS was, where their last duty station was etc etc etc. I’ve tried to hire these guys before but they typically can’t count bullets let alone clear a firearm. This all got started after WW II when people used to give hitch-hiking GI’s a ride. Didn’t take long before chiselers were scrounging up uni’s to get free bus rides etc. And they killed it for everybody by the time Korea was over.
Our two numbers may be closer than you think. Service members separated with less than 180 days service typically receive an Entry Level Separation (ELS). Not good, not bad, just out. These are usually done because a trainee is found to be unsuitable for military service. 180 is key because many veterans benefits kick in after that point.
So are these people veterans? Many call themselves just that and many organizations recognize it. Soups kitchens are probably pretty high up on the list of those that do. So, 1% who really served beyond basic training and 9% misfits who never made it beyond their friendly Drill Sergeant.
This shit if flying on social media....I think it is total BS.
The military has their sludge too, but at much lower rates than the average lazy POS.
My experience is that vets are very self-reliant.