And why do you think they take those risks? Do you think they would if people treated it like a job at mcdonalds? Would their families support them in being away for so long for 30k/year?

Some of them absolutely would, yes.

But psychologically, the drive to be a part of something important is very strong, especially in young men.

The military has a rich mythology that plays into, and perpetuates, this.

This is not bad or unhealthy! But it is also not inherently good. There are other groups which use the same tactics to recruit people for bad services. It very very much depends.

I completely agree, but I think that "rich mythology" you refer to is fueled by the public also believing in it to a great extent.

For certain. It's a symbiotic relationship.

But like any source of low-cost energy, some of it is diverted into unproductive things!