Now the conservative Heritage Foundation has analyzed enlistee demographics by looking at household incomes in the zip codes recruits come from. The results indicate a pool of recruits drawn mainly from the middle class. The largest group of new recruits in 2003 -- 18 percent -- came from neighborhoods with average annual household incomes of $35,000 to $40,000, compared to a median household income of $43,318. In all, the top two-income quintiles (comprising households with incomes starting at $41,688) produced 45 percent of all recruits in 2003. A mere 5 percent came from neighborhoods with average incomes below $20,000 per household.
The Heritage findings make sense: While the military offers some attractions in terms of education, training and life experience, the effort and commitment required are so great that service in the enlisted ranks will always lose a cost/benefit comparison with even the most humble minimum-wage job. Noneconomic, nonrational motivations such as patriotism, self-esteem building, or just the desire to change one's life are more compelling factors in the decision to join up.
I highlit the last sentance as it certainly applied in my case (particularly the nonrational part, heh) and quite a number of other soldiers that I met.
Life isn’t a morality contest and purity makes a poor shield. - J. Peter Mulhern
Disclaimer: The comments made here are only my OPINIONS on various aspects of VFP, SQL Server, VS.NET, systems development, or life in general, and my OPINIONS should not be construed to be the authoritative word on any subject. No warranties or degrees of veracity are expressed or implied. Void where prohibited. Side effects may included dizziness, spontaneous combustion, or unexplainable cravings for dark beer. Wash with like colors only, serve immediately for best flavor.
