Very interesting. And John Waynes they are not!
Nice post, Art.
And the remark about the chickenhawks thinking the all-voluntary for the most part military is composed of little John Waynes is spot-on. Those kids are like every other kid. Some of 'em pretty good, some of 'em OK and a lot of them screw-offs simply looking for ways to screw off.
They do want to be liked, though, and trusted, so a good NCO and junior officer can work wonders with them. Usually.
But John Waynes they aren't. As a matter of fact, John Wayne wasn't a John Wayne.
Arf