I think your slot car has flipped the track on this one Tom.

Although one of his themes seems to be the exploitation of an all voluntary force, steaming from his own experience with conscription, it's not hard to assume that a large percentage of recruits join the military to have a chance at a better life through training or funding for education.

He's probably close in his assessment:

...back to their folks' ghetto stoops or trailers or tract houses strung with computer-generated welcomes...

Bottom line, the guy served his country, albeit reluctantly, and is sharing what some may consider a valuable perspective.

It doesn't sound like he's placing himself above the masses to me.