If we were to have ‘PE’ or breadth requirements in college or elsewhere, military training should definitely be among them. As should finance. We could do without entire subjects from K12 through undergrad, on into graduate school. If we’re going to make something an essential requirement outside of the core focus of a major, or in HS, it should actually impart essential skills and practical knowledge. Hell, make a breadth requirement be minoring in a practical trade like plumbing or construction or being an electrician. I went to a top tier University and people there would have been infinitely better off being ‘forced’ to learn personal finance and plumbing alongside their chosen field than take Erotic Literature 69. Some of the optional PE classes included what’s basically ‘Peaceful walking’. Not joking.

We started with a company of 84 and only 42 graduated. Mandatory enlistment is fine, doesn't mean they graduate. Maybe the drop out will learn something.

I agree that not everyone has what it takes to make it as a career serviceman, but I still think everyone in 99% of cases can serve in some capacity for at least a year or three, sans some disabled folks.