Granted, there's the military issues. Been there, done that at Camp Pendleton. True enough.
But there's also the perspective they'd gain of the real world where people get killed & etc. before they hear from some hippie at college how bad the military is and how peaceful the rest of the world is.
Right now all they hear and experience is one side and one view. Is this balanced? Maybe not. Is it better? I think so.
Right now all they hear and experience is one side and one view
True, I see your point. My problem is with the concept of indoctrination to begin with. In essence, the government is deciding that it doesn't like the mindset of the people it purports to serve, and sets out to change it, by force, to one more suitable to its desires. Is this not the very definition of social engineering? Are we to trust the very same government that created this problem through indoctrination with yet more powers of indoctination? Is the purpose of the military defense, or social engineering? This problem is highlighted by China's use of the military for exactly what you suggest - college students there spend a year in their military so they won't be so hostile to their communist government.
I find this to be contrary to a theory of a government that serves not rules its people. Free People will decide what thoughts, views and values serve them best. We are individuals endowed with self determination, not farm animals to be manipulated by masters.
That said, the military certainly can be a place for wayward individuals to improve themselves and find discipline. But they must ask for it.