The survival instinct, if properly cultivated, would mean those who do not enlist generally are smarter than those who do. As evidenced throughout history, in all cultures that become rich enough, mercenaries and foreigners are used in the more undesirable/dangerous positions.

In the United States we have almost exclusively cultivated Mexican "slave labor" since the civil rights movement made black housekeepers, maids, cooks and gardeners politically incorrect. Those promoting Mexican immigration are often the same folks who would have wanted Africans to "live a civilized life" in the USA circa 1780-1860.

A foreign mercenary will not fight out of loyalty to the country, but as the name implies is there solely for renumeration. Sometimes mercenaries are better at what they do - in certain positions- because they really want to be around to collect that inflated paycheck.

And contrary to what's been implied here, the rednecks' kids are the ones who enlist. The schools in their communities are dens of inequity filled with potheads galore and words with more than 2 syllables never leave their teacher's lips. They are to be commended - because they get more education and discipline out of the military than they ever did in school.

It's all about using the resources at one's disposal.