The military is now accepting candidates up to 42 years old. I think the marijuana disqualifying and high school graduate threshold are gone too. In today's economy anybody with a pulse and a scintilla of integrity and self starting enthusiasm can get a decent starting job that will work into a solid income/benefits career. The armed forces are available to the least qualified as a safety parachute it seems. As a vet myself I support these new enlistees and hope they utilize the training and discipline of their service as a stepping stone to the American dream.