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 :)