That's a darn good question. I doubt we'll ever know what went on in his mind (and it wouldn't be a pretty picture if we could see it).
Half or more of military members join/reup for signing bonuses, technical education, and college funding when they get out. There's a ton of them who were horribly disillusioned when they realized "My God! I'm actually going to a combat zone and into harm's way!"
Pretty hard reality check, indeed.
That's a pretty negative assessment, that half or more don't even consider the possibility of combat. My generation has seen the military sent to various places of combat, including the Gulf, of course. My brother was in the Navy for six years, also nuclear subs, and continues in the reserves, during which time he has been sent to the dangerous places. How can you live in today's world and think being in the military = sitting around in the states and looking forward to college money?