The real arguments are too dark to say aloud. E.g. without the perks over civilian life, the military would be unable to recruit a volunteer force large enough for empire.
If you made university free for everyone the Reserves would take a hit on enlistment, same with active duty but to a lesser extent. I'm a vet and those things were huge in making my choice to join, lots of family and friends, fellow service members have echoed the same.
The military is largely downsizing though in warm body count so it might not matter much anymore.