my father was a ghetto born high school drop out forced to go into the military. today he is a very hard working patriotic man. the military whips you in shape both mentally and physically and on their terms, which is what a lot of them dropouts need.
sure there will be a percentage of unwilling soldiers, they have their place in the military also.
In the past, large conscript armies were necessary. They could tolerate and take the time to whip someone into shape. With today's sophisitcated force multiplier technology, having unwilling conscripts just doesn't make any sense. I don't say this to be cruel, but it is just the way of the world today that people like your Dad will have to find other ways to straighten out their lives. The Armed Forces today need professionals with education and dedication.
I think your dad was an exception to the rule. You might want to tell him "Thank you for serving" for me.
When I was in the Army, the thugs from the ghetto were very problematic. They did not grow to respect authority, and made life miserable everywhere they went. I'm glad I did not have to go into combat with them, as it would have been more dangerous with them behind me than the enemy in front of me.
The guys I know that went to Viet Nam rather than go to jail came out still losers, but some of them got their act together after they hit bottom.
Just my observation.