“I wish more of them would consider the military when of age. The number of young GOP members who have served in any capacity in my area is atrocious.”
If it bore some semblance to a meritocracy more might consider it; when it became makework for minorities and women it became pointless. Obama wasn’t kidding when he said the troops were fighting for him; they serve under the president, even if he is a foreign Muslim. I can understand people joining the military only as an employer of last resort (and they should know the risks when they do so).
Then go into elite units or be good at what you do. The navy nuclear program doesn’t pass duds of any color. Airborne training remains challenging, though less so; Ranger training is tough as is USMC officer training. This business about “Obama is a POS therefore I am not going to serve” is baloney, IMO. Young patriotic men should go do something in uniform if they qualify. If for no other reason than they may need the training if we have a civil war.