benefits aside from the paychecks, although those have sure improved in recent decades since most military and veterans vote GOP they probably approve of those benefits also.

"it is a man's duty to serve if he can..."

The vast majority of people do not serve in the military, so your statement doesn't really ring true. Why is it a "man's" duty, and not simply a citizen's duty?

It is neither. It is not a duty to serve in the military. Even in wartime, most people are not in the military. It is, or should be, a choice made by the individual.

When I enlisted in the USAF in 1965, it had nothing to do with a sense of duty. Rather, it had to do with a draft notification and a realization that I'd better get on the stick or I'd lose all control of what I did. So, I joined the USAF on the day that draft notice arrived and was at Lackland AFB the next moring.

I did not want to be put in a position where I'd be shooting at anyone. So, I made a calculation and a decision. I spent four years in the USAF, doing what the USAF wanted me to do. That was the exchange I made.

Then, after my discharge from active duty, I went ahead and took the $256/month GI bill and finished college. I gave up four years of my young life, and spent the next two back in school.

Not a duty. A choice.

enlisted in the Army went into combat arms and got my wish for jump school, I have different opinions from yours.