There is a HUGE difference between now and then. We have a purpose now, then we were operating with UN pantyhose on and patrolling the boats with unloaded weapons, even in foreign ports. The guys serving now are far braver than me. The closest thing we ever did to being an actual military was the boarding ops (vbss) enforcing Iraqi embargoes. I wouldn't dream of picking on an active duty jarhead today. Those guys are incredible. I have a few buds that stuck it out nad they make a decent living now. I have some family that are junior enlisted and they make decent money, too. I hear that you don't even have to live on the boat when conus anymore. Having a President who respects and uses the militray when necessary is great. W aint perfect by a long shot, but the things he does well he does really well.
Oh yeah, the current administration has zero love for the media. My guess is that there are far fewer instances of misbehavior now due to pride and espeit de corps, and when someone does mess up, it is just handled swiftly and quietly.