Recruitment shortfalls reflect policy and career conditions

Do small modern armed forces amid large populations show a lack of patriotism?

No; force size reflects government funding, recruiting systems, pay, career prospects, and medical rules more than public willingness to serve.

People weigh military service against safer civilian work, especially when pay, promotion, housing, and long-term prospects are uncertain. Governments created many shortages by shrinking forces, outsourcing slow recruitment, and excluding candidates on remote future-health risks.