What's undesirable about this situation? We need a military force to protect us, I don't think that is a controversial idea. With certain political groups doing their utmost to absolutely kill any kind of nationalism or patriotic feeling, what incentive do we have to put our lives on the line for our country if not for the rewards?

We could increase military pay to make it more attractive but the overall budget to be gained by axing healthcare and education spending probably would not make a huge difference in the bottom lime for most soldiers. What are the proposed alternatives?