I suspect that's why the military, in particular in the US, is made up of under privileged & disenfranchised people rather than by those who are doing it to serve their country, who are more likely to have come from a military family. Escape your life & see the world!
The lack of recruits is probably more of an indictment on society that trusts institutions & governments less but Ironically claim to be the most patriotic in society.
I would have thought if you wanted to encourage more people to join the military you put in place training & skill sets that specifically set up people for life outside the military. Rather than helping those who leave afterwards who can't cope & can't get a job etc. Paying to get degrees, forgoing student loans, nationally accredited tickets etc. Serve in the military for 5 years & the government pays for you to become a doctor, dentist, mechanic etc. It sets you up for life rather than leaving you with next to nothing for your service.
I've heard from people who served that military accreditation is pretty worthless on leaving & they have to recert to get an actual job.
