I also used to be cynical about the whole thing but after listening to veterans from all eras, mostly on JockoPodcast, I changed my mind about service. Even if the war itself is "unjust" and the string-pullers are self-serving, those who are willing to fight are good and patriotic individuals who deserve respect and deference.

Also, if you are a nerd, there are a ton of jobs that don't require leaving a base, or even leaving the country.