My dad and all his brothers served, although only one was career military. In my generation, including all my cousins, I was the only one. I really think people are missing out on a great experience that teaches lots of life lessons. Plus, its lots harder to sterotype and demonize the military if you've served and know what its like.
ROTC paid my way thru a BSEE degree and I was commissioned as a 2LT.
Once I was on active duty and the Clinton scum started turning the Army into a social experiment--'coed' barracks, OSHA oversight of army training, don't ask--smoke pole, women in combat positions...
A lot of us hard science guys said: "screw this!" and left to pursue good jobs in our fields with clearances and some experience.
Unfortunately, the 'Russian studies', 'English' and 'History' guys could either stay and enforce the Clinton doctrines or leave and trade in their rank and benefits for a crap job.
They stayed and were willing to push their subordinates under a bus if it meant they wouldn't have to lose their status job and bennies.
I saw it myself. It was awful to watch otherwise honorable men enforcing policies they did not and could not agree with in order that their families didn't have to suffer the slings and arrows on the real economy. Sickening....