I had several reasons for leaving, and amongst them was the presumption that as staff I could just be treated like crap, while millions was ploughed into the cinderella world of recruitment.
But, if/when my boy wants to join, unless it's as something rubbish, I'll happily watch him pass out and at Halton - maybe Cranwell - and provided he spends a few years travelling, having a beer and enjoying himself I'd be more than happy - he'll learn discipline and a myriad of other skills. I'll only get worried if he decides to stay in for the long haul and starts talking career, as this is the snakepit I've come to hate, where many have cashed in their integrity and morals.
Otherwise Biggus has hit the nail on the head:
... it is no doubt easier, and cheaper, to recruit naive/idealistic young men and women than fix the reasons why large numbers of people are leaving in the first place!!