To answer we might then have to consider when you might say it DID have such a place.

For most of the nation's history, service in the peacetime military was far from desirable or at most a path fit for those not independently wealthy. It was years of dusty plains postings or the swamps and remote coasts. With little pay, slow promotion, and only the occasional Indian skirmish to break up the monotony.

While service in the Navy was very much restricted often to that social group who was already connected to the sea in some way. While officers afloat and ashore had it slightly better it was still a bleak life often times, and it is now surprise so many over the years turned to drink and vice.

However many men all over the US of a certain standing might be expected to be officers in it and drill with the local militia or volunteers unit depending on the time, and part time soldiering was often just a fact of life. And when war came being in such s unit could bring quick glory, promotion, and recognition. Without the years of boredom for the professionals.

So I suppose it is important to ask, is there a specific era, or time frame you might be wondering about?