IMHO Army recruitment age youngster haven't developed enough to think this deeply. It is a journey some might like only after joining in so there should be exit path available to those who don't like it.

Secondly money and conditions can't be universal drivers.

On a side note I feel trend of letting youngster do whatever they want even during school years is counter productive. For example children who misbehave even once in a while with teachers and sometimes parents even are taken for psyche evaluation immediately. IMHO children does need direction and guidance until they understand the consequences of their choices.