But the CinC had to have gone throught the same process. Not saying that it would always get the bad guys out, and Heinlein brought up that point, too.
It did show that the person, male or female, was willing to risk his life to serve the country. More than we’ve got, today.
Finally, the veterans may have been in charge, but the active military still had the big guns.
BTW, I think John Kerry may have served in Vietnam...
Does being drafted fit Into your theory? Just asking.