Rov, well done on writing the most factually incorrect post this year (so far).
"Most of the skills" such as loyalty, appearance and bearing, self-discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, punctuality, honesty, the courage to admit when they've made a mistake. Yeah generally employers hate these sorts of things.
Also what about skills such as HGV Licences, Microsoft certified software engineers, instructor qualifications. Do empoyers not like these either?
As for your assumption that junior soldiers cannot think for themselves. Mate you're a mis-informed numpty of the highest order. We can and do think for ourselves on a regular basis. Why only this morning I had to choose brown socks or black. (I went for the brown). Seriously 'gumption' is not only allowed, it's encouraged. Managers want there guys to be able to think for themselves, and they want these guys to develop the managment skills required to lead others.
Finally, your point about buying out and demob. Again wronger than a wrong thing on wrong day. If we want out prior to the end of our contract we simply hand our notice in. Admitedly the notice period is longer than civvy street but replacing someone is a more complex process than civvy street as well. The only exception to this is called 'Return Of Service' and this is where the mob states that you are not allowed to leave for a period of time after they've just given you something. It may be a bonus or a qualification, but they expect you to hang around a bit so they don't feel that they've just spunked all the money up the wall.