You learn a new language, and then go out armed with a fake set of personal belongings, an armoury of mild insults (to intrigue your prey) and the support of your buddies - the same guys you'll be reporting back to as soon as the encounter is over.
If a student is debating whether or not go enter the armed forces, he or she should consider loans, and the fact that colleges can offer competitive financial aid offers for low-income students.