[oh8eleven]

It is harder today. It really is.
Paying for college is obviously much more expensive, but you can still go in the service to take advantage of the GI Bill. There are other things that are "easier" or better.
Two-four percent mortgages; transportable retirement accounts; food stamps; 10 year auto warranties (and cars that last 10 years); and soon, you can make $15/ hr to flip burgers!

[informavoracious]

Not everyone is cut out for the service or can make it through basic training. Asthma, diabetes, poor eyesight or hearing, any number of physical problems can disqualify you. My relative almost did not get in because of severe acne! Besides, with a CIC like Obama and what he is doing to the military, it’s not necessarily where I want my kids. Mortgage interest may be low, but houses in most places are pretty expensive. In a place like San Jose, forget it. Transportable retirement accounts - nice if you make enough to fund at a decent level. Most ordinary people don’t get food stamps. And that car had better last ten years considering it probably cost $30,000! $15 minimum wage is still a pipe dream except in places like Seattle where it literally IS a pipe dream :)