We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
I don't think it's something to survive, but more of an adventure. On the psychological part, it gives young people a (partial) identity. Brick in the wall? Only kinda.
I know and have known quite a few Marines and a couple of ex-SEALs too. Army and regular Navy too, of course. A good thing for a young person, and good for the country.
After college at 22, I went through bootcamp at Parris Island in 1970. Doesn't look like much has changed. They didn't show the gas chamber where you and others are in a room exposed to tear gas with a gas mask on that you have to clear, which means you will breathe some. When you come running out of the room the snot trail coming out of your nose extends for several feet. We did a 12-mile forced march carrying a 60 lb load. It was tough. That never give up experience has served me well over the years