thats pretty much the appeal of the military these days.
most people in the military don't have much other choice in life. and not everyone in the military is on the front lines with an m-16. my buddy is in the army he's a techno nerd. there are a lot of jobs in the military that don't require going into combat. granted they are in support of combat units. but if he chooses wisely he can come out of the military a much better person.

and tell him to join the Navy, no one fucks with the Navy! (except the Marines)