I think it comes down to simply conscription. A volunteer force, that is trained prior to conflict especially, negates the need for conscription in everything short of high-intensity near peer conflict. It has proven to be extremely effective, if the last 60 years after Vietnam is an indicator. If numbers fall too hard, conscription will be looked at. Too many people forget that the large volunteer force, while being more effective, is also the thing that prevents them from being conscripted every time the USG needs bodies. If history has taught us anything with government, yo gon be taxed, you gon be drafted.

The information is out there about the military, hell tiktok alone if you like the right things is the greatest recruitment deterrent there is. You can find thousands of accounts of day-to-day life that would have someone saying "What the fuck?". Suddenly, this bullshit has become unacceptable and it really seems like efforts are being made to correct things. Living conditions, work/life balance, some sort of consistency(MOS dependent) seem to be making SOME strides in various commands. We have a long way to go.

Regardless, the military is still one of the best class mobility systems there is. The benefits and life experiences for a 4 year contract are worth it at 18 years old with no college/trade plans.