Steve, funny thing about farts...doesn't matter whether they are young or old, they all stink to some degree.
Yeah, you're partially right about about some of the enlistments dropping due to factors other than troop levels being dropped, but their are a variety of reasons working in combination, not just the war.
Another huge factor is a robust economy...and low unemployment. Enlistment levels (sans drafts) have always been a good barometer of economic conditions, though they necessarily trail in time.
I want the current generation (including my three girls) to do things on their own terms...let them decide what their own futures hold. I think it's called evolution.
BTW, none of their friends have shocked me...yet. At least not as much as I did to my folks by marrying a white chic. Now THERE was some hell to pay. Then again, she's got two eyebrows and no moustache.