I had a live-in girlfriend in the 80’s who had been in the Air Force. She said most of her basic was learning how to properly dress and apply make-up. Then I worked as a civilian contractor at Fort Hood in the mid-90s. The male soldiers (pickle suiters) would be hoofing with 60 pound packs and the ladies had fanny packs. When people started complaining, they all started carrying fanny packs. Just my observations.
I would say the Air Force is a better career choice for a young woman.
I understand, and agree that basic training has declined a bit. But it’s after basic that recruits get the chance to “strike” for a rating specialty, such as medical corpsman, and attend the technical training schools. That’s worth getting through the basic cosmetology training, if enlisting is her choice.
Thanks to your ex for her service.