The money and benefits used to be better I believe. My dad came to this country and joined the Navy in his early 20s, and retired after 20 yrs to a great pension.
But, he was QUICK to talk my cousin out of joining. For some, especially those who may not be able -- or willing to go to college right out of high school, the Armed Forces might be a better alternative for them. Even w/o 9/11 Sevice will always be a great risk for young people. I think that some, if not all, of the people killed in the Cole bombing were quite young.
Seems like everyone in VA has been shipped out, though.
Luckily a friend of mine (a Naval aviator) had just returned from overseas and is on shore duty, so he will not be going anywhere. (Hopefully)
Let's also not forget about our Reserves. They are over there in large numbers. Actually, I had thought about joining the Reserves a few years ago... I might still do it.