i tried to enlist when i got kicked out of college at 17
i was supposed to be a tank commander, 3 stripes, 4 men under my command, stationed in germany...then they found out i was over 6 foot tall, left handed and blind as a bat
needless to say, i didnt get the job
but from what i hear from friends who did serve, yes, the drill sergeants tear down the individual so they can build up the unit