I read a fascinating book by a son of Greek immigrants in NYC. His environment gave him no encouragement and he was working in his father's restaurant. Then he approached the Marines. The Marine recruiter tested him and sent him to college where he majored in classical archaeology. On 911 he was a district attorney in NYC and in the Marine Reserves. He was called up to look into the thefts reported at the Iraqi National musuem and to retrieve those treasures.
To me this story shows how military can help people develop and also that some very talented, knowledgable people serve in the ranks.