In the days of the American Revolution, Civil War, and both World Wars, the wealthy of our country sent their sons into battle. They fought and died for their country. Vietnam changed that. Heck, the signers of the Declaration were all wealthy, and many lost their fortunes because of it. Having skin in the game is a big deal.
During Vietnam, if you were connected, you could figure a way out of going to war if you wanted to. Even President Trump figured a way out. Bone spurs or something. President Clinton dodged the draft, and President Bush was in the Texas Air National Guard. Sure, I know Vietnam became an unpopular war, but the truth is the establishment elite from the WW2 generation didn’t want to see their sons fight in one after what they went through. You can’t blame them for their feelings, but it had adverse consequences. Additionally, there was the draft. You went even if you didn’t want to go if you had a low draft number. That is, unless you had strings to pull.
Today, Da Nang Dick lies about his service but gets to be a Senator. Tim Walz lies about his service, but gets to govern the state of Minnesota. They make a mockery of military service.
Contrast that with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Carter. All served. Their benches and backbenches served.
This is somewhat changing with our last conflict, which shouldn’t have happened. It’s a volunteer military, and that is a good thing.