Lots of my friends are active forces and most of them try not to think to about the political realities, they are simply a tool, a shield and deterrent which is vital for the security of the UK. They can't choose the battles.
They are what I think of as true citizens and deserve respect from all of us. I would like to say they're opinions should be held in a higher regard, but the reality is that they are no more enlightened than anyone else. Like any group of people there are some assholes in the mix.
But you can hardly call them brainwashed, you don't join the army to get rich
.