Veterans

The draft ended back in the 70s... so... after that, that's on the "vets" that signed up voluntarily...

Yes, but actually no. We don't volunteer to be wasted or committed to action for ridiculous nation building actions lasting 20 years with no roadmap to victory, definition of success, or exit strategy. Politicians need to really consider where and when they're sending our people, clearly define the mission, then let the military leaders accomplish that mission.

Knowing what we know about this system, why would anyone sign up for it?

Nope, I wouldn't recommend it under the current administration. I enlisted during the good old days, two years into Reagan's first term. Survived the Clinton years, retired under George W (43).

Sadly the number of vets who would recommend the military to family and friends has sharply declined...