Absolutely agree.
I had no idea about the re-sign up bonus but I'm not in the least bit surprised. Ideally all the countries in the world would collaborate with each other to work on the global issues that will affect us all in the years and decades to come... but I think instead they're all just gearing up to fight over dwindling resources instead.
I don't think it's being pessimistic to be realistic. It's not impossible, but I think it's less likely things will turn around, so let's prepare ourselves for realistic and likely outcomes.
Yep, it's a thing for sure and I guess it's a good thing considering the tone in the world right now (a look at the news and who's hitting wo right now and recently will demonstrate why.) No one wants to sign up, our three military services are all well behind recruitment levels...they're even looking at options of recruiting from pacific islands around Australia (not legit in my estimation) and they have also reduced entrance criteria...no push ups, sit ups, beep test...A military force full of weaklings...but cannon fodder for the guns I guess. https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/continuation-bonus
Yes! (Won't happen though.)
Yes! (And will happen.)
The term spiraling out of control comes to mind.