One thing I've noticed - every other generation seems to have the same convictions. We had the 'greatest generation' in WWII vets, then we had guys who were serving in Korea, and then in 'Nam, (regardless of the Media creations), who served their country in all the various forms admirably. We had the hippies in the 60's, and the punkers of the 70's, but it seems the generation I'm from (born in 70), seem to have remembered to join up, and we did pretty well in the Gulf War, Panama, and the like.
Now, the generation "after" mine, appears to be harkening back to my parents, which is nice to see. I TRY to live like them, with their ideals, (they weren't very counter-culture/hippie back in the day). I just worked with alot of the young Army guys with 4ID and 3rd ACR, and they are (for the most part) bright, dedicated, conscientious group of 18-25 year olds I can think of.
The media still portrays everything as a "DOOM AND GLOOM", because they feel that's what 'sells'. But ya know what, it ain't that way anymore. People are tired of hearing about some dumba$$ who shot 3 people at the local mall, or stole a truck and made a 100 MPH highway chase. People want to hear GOOD news. I predict if the news shows would do stories about GOOD things happening in the world, not the death, rapes, thefts, etc, their ratings would be higher than the 'regular' crap.
I was making a smaller point. I do not doubt that there are high quality people in the service, and I absolutely do not think that to attain this level one has to be from the Ivies or even go to college (I went to a couple of Ivies, and I have taught in them, so I know first hand of what I speak.)
I am just making the point that it is amazing to see people from that background go in, that is all.
And do not get me started about the media...