You could very well be right. From your lips to GOD’s Ears.
I base my statement partly on personal experience. I joined the Navy Reserves in 2002. We weren’t in Iraq yet, so a lot of the reservists weren’t thinking that much about mobilization. After 9/11, being in the military garnered a lot of respect. Besides, the expansion of military spending meant a lot of opportunities were available for those who served or had served.
I was part of a program called the Non-prior Service. These were older recruits who went through a special training program.
Long story short: the Navy had to end the program a few years later because it was TOO SUCCESSFUL. So many people were signing up that the Navy didn’t have the resources to give them further training.
I expect with the high likelihood of mobilization, reserve duty is less appealing. But if we go back to the old days of relative peace, a lot of people will see military service as a very good deal.
I joined at age 35 and it was one of the best decisions of my life. The military really can show someone what they truly can do. So few institutions today really push people to do their best any more.