I wonder at the notion that joining the IDF and defending the Jewish nation against those who seek to destroy it and all its inhabitants constitutes "spiritual ruin."
you need to look a the big picture here - if the vast majority of participants are being infused with a genuine and strong love for, and connection with, Israel, then the program is beneficial - and that seems to be the general consensus.
that there are occasional exceptions (did Adam Shapiro really go on this trip?) is sad, but to be expected. however, lapses in Halachik standards definitely need to be addressed.
Well, if anything, my son has become more devout since joining the IDF.
I think the article was worried about the negative effect that military service would have on religious girls, since there are no units for religious women comparable to those for religious men, there is rampant promiscuity among female soldiers and abortion is encouraged.