Bonuses
Bush is paying huge bonuses to people to re-up. The enlisted 21 y/o son of a friend got $30,000 of yours and my money to stay.
It would cost more to train his replacement, etc., but there are precious few in the pipeline behind him.
If you offer folks who aren't making a heckuva lot, who have credit card debt and an older car a bonus like that, well, it's well nigh irresistable.
Don't think it's because they like life in the service so much, though that would always be true for some.
Arf