Reply #100: My comment may not be precisely on point but I've observed African-Americans who grew up in

[jody]

poverty-rich, inner cities join the military and quickly merge with other racial/ethnic groups into a cohesive band of brothers.

Upon retirement, they typically move into middle or upper middle class jobs and communities usually well away from their humble beginnings.

Today I would not encourage any young man or woman to join the military but I've seen tens of thousands of young men and woman make a successful journey from poverty into well paid civilian jobs and a satisfying life by taking advantage of the military to jump start them on the path to success.

That's my opinion based on decades of intimate association with military personnel.

Is it possible that one key factor is whether or not a young man or woman can leave the community that in some way prevents them from reaching their full potential?