Not just the “poorer classes.” I was solidly among the middle class when I enlisted. The opportunities for training, education, a decently-paid retirement after 20 years or so, and free medical care for the rest of my life? In my opinion, it was (and remains) a pretty good deal. In my case it didn’t work out quite the way I’d planned, but I don’t regret the experience. Of course, young people think they are immortal, and I was no exception.
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