There are many different kinds of jerks, and even more so in the army.
Some say that the recruits are to blame themselves... they show off and so on (I don't know how this manifests itself), so they end up getting what they deserve... but in reality, it doesn't seem to be the case. IMHO.
Yeah, a friend told me that so many people joined the army that there weren't enough places for everyone... and the 2.5 (2.8) year thing is also true, I think... so it's tough for the next generation.