[like_any_other]

> Nor was "you have to join the military to have basic rights" the premise of the book.

It was not even the premise of the film - only one right was conditioned on service, the right to vote (and possibly hold political office). I.e. actions that wield authority over others. I argue that is not "basic".

[bigstrat2003]

Fair enough - I've only read the book, so I wouldn't try to speak for the movie.