Really that is not a huge payday. And misleading to boot. When do they get the rest of the 20k? What if they don't make it through boot camp? Nada? How is that a sign-on bonus? It is really a merit bonus. I get it that it may appear to be a relatively attractive option for someone with minimal skills and poor prospects, but it isn't crazy money and many that take that path do seem to come out the other side with marketable skills and improved prospects.
It did still seem offensive and trollish to pick Memorial Day for your rant. I'll not back down from that comment regardless of your stated interest in intellectually stimulating discussion. Actually sounds to me that you are jealous of your friends that are enlisting as it is not an option for you for whatever reason, and you are really looking for validation of your belief that they are being suckered into a bad deal.
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Ding ding ding we have a winner come on down and accept your prize for hitting the nail on the head.