My view point is quite simple. Yes, I DO appreciate what the troops do, and I wouldn't f**king do it.
BUT, as other people have pointed out, ANYONE who joins the army can easily find out what's in store for them. Asking troops, even a internet search could tell anyone "You wont get paid much, you'll be one of many sardines when trying to sleep in your uncomfy bed, You might have to kill people, or see people get killed, you will work stupid hours, you will be told what to do regularly, Oh, and you might die"
They do a bl00dy good job, but they didn't have to sign up when reading the job description. A pat on the back is enough imo.