My service spanned 6 presidents, ending with GW.
The Mormons I knew in the military had also done their missionary tours. They don’t view that as a replacement for national service.
And they shouldn’t.
Nor is Peace Corps nor Americorps a replacement for national service.....that’s a liberal fantasy.
Since you had a long career in the service, can you tell me what percentage of male Americans join the military in one branch or another? I have two brothers and a fifty percent service record; but I also have about 25 first cousins and only 2 of the 25 served, making an 8 percent record.
I don’t find it unusual that any particular five sons need to have had military service. How many families have five sons? Too many variables on which to make a firm conclusion.