I, too, enjoyed my time in the military. And I agree, it does give you free at-point-of-service health care and housing. College wasn't exactly free, the housing allowance was kinda meager, but having my undergrad degree paid for was hella nice!
Still though, I don't think people should have to endure the bureaucratic bullshit of the military just for a shot at a better life. And there is a lot of bullshit. More importantly, they shouldn't have to potentially risk their lives simply to make it into the middle class.
While it was my shot out of living on $35 week to week, which has been more successful than I could have ever imagined, there needs to be other paths. And then, maybe people might be more willing to defend a country that provides opportunities for economic and social mobility than they are now.