It is definitely a perk. That and cheap housing, paid-for education and years of experience in whatever field you get put in. The army and marines sent recruiters to my high school in a poor area and I got to hear about all these things twice a year. The military is a way out of poverty for a lot of people.

Kinda, same with college tuition.

If you made university free for everyone the Reserves would take a hit on enlistment, same with active duty but to a lesser extent. I'm a vet and those things were huge in making my choice to join, lots of family and friends, fellow service members have echoed the same.

The military is largely downsizing though in warm body count so it might not matter much anymore.

Also a thing: intentionally committing a crime for the sole purpose of getting healthcare in prison.

This is not the first time I'm hearing that US recruiters use health insurance or college education as a lure for poor teenagers.