Here in the states the recruiters just lowered their standards for health and education, maybe on the pretense they can smarten / thin their recruits a bit during basic.

So this is why counter-recruitment still has work to do. Remember whatever the US Armed forces promises you, it doesn't count if it's not written in your contract, and it won't make much of a difference if you discharge out medically or are dead. And a lot of people are grievously wounded or killed in the military way before the combat happens.

PS: Your recruiting officer will lie to you. Mine did.