I don't see soldiers as protectors of the people. They have to follow orders without questioning. If they tell you to jump the only question is asking how high! It's a hard training and the average soldier just do and shoots as ordered. Nothing more, nothing less.
With us it is a secure job (all govrrnmental jobs are) well paid, trainings, school, diver's licenses for free and the best place to be if you are a bully or narcissist, rapist or thief.

A part of my family was in the military service just like being a cop you are rarely liked and those heroes from back then are called traitors today. :(