I understand why you are uncomfortable putting military folks in the same category as civilians.
However the economic point remains valid. If more folks are dependent on a government paycheck (earned or unearned, important and vital jobs as well as stupid ones) they have a vested interest in keeping government at least as large as it is at present.
The possible flaw in the model in my view is how spouses are treated if one works for the government and another works in the private sector.
It’s worse than just the number of people.
A couple of years ago someone published a report that for similar jobs with similar responsibilities a government job paid more than a private sector job.
You’ll have to decide for yourself: is it time to join the government payroll gravy train?
What do you think are the odds of your goverment worker pension defaulting like so many private sector ones have? TWA, McDonnell Douglas are a couple here in St. Louis.