If anyone's curious how it works, this chart can help shed some light

While not really correct to use it in the way, (really only used for cousins) you could label your grandmother as your mother, once removed.

It could be...

Most areas in the US have that as a building code violation for the safety issue of it. Usually, there's a "first" when any regulation regarding inherent safety is created.

We could only wish

It looks like it's already been attacked.

I remember when those things first came out and used a headphone jack so you could plug in your CD player. (those were the days...)

Militaries tend to think of their manpower as just a number, not as individuals. The basic training is supposed to make sure each will perform at a predictable level. Psychologically breaking one down is thought to be the quickest (albeit roughest) way to get people to that level. (i.e. being able to clear an area of hostiles with minimal to no friendly casualties, while on very little sleep or sustenance)

Some drill instructors (from what I'm told) can have their rank/title go to their heads that they will ignore the logic of danger of the orders they give just for the sole purpose of "teaching a lesson" to their recruit declining something.

I'm guessing their goal was to make sure anyone that goes through would be able to quickly rehydrate (or replenish themselves) while in the heat of a battle without "losing a step."

There is also an intimidation factor to opposing forces to give the appearance of an indifferent hivemind (sheep as you mentioned it) coming for them. (Think of how scary it would be to have cybermen or the borg after you)

Those will just make you depressed in other ways

Like a cockroach?

The drill sergeants almost became radio show hosts

Is it me or is the picture rotated clockwise ever so slightly?

It snapped

After 20-25 years, it's more or less used for a spam pit and less important things now. No sense walking away from it when there's no finances or other dangerous things attached