Patriotic reenlistment ceremonies are a favorite attraction for visiting VIPs in bases both foreign and domestic. The message is that if all of these service members are signing on for so many more years then things must not be so bad in their lives.
But, there is always more that is not revealed.
First, reenlistment bonuses are huge. Ask around and you may find how huge. A lot of minds and bodies can be won with cold cash, especially when there is no future in a dismal civilian job market and much or all of the bonus is tax-free.
Next, we are not told that a large number of reenlistments are individuals who already have invested so many years in the service that it is irrational to forego the few years left to their 20 year retirement.
Finally, the service for many becomes "home", they are more than willing to accept the negatives (including death and injury) because they feel they have found a special place where they belong. Their reenlistments will be automatic whether there is peace or war and there may be little patriotism and certainly no politics involved.