WTF? Of course they should praise this. This is a service he's entering. All who serve deserve praise. As for "not looking forward" to bootcamp, yeah there's a certain amount of dread, but it's easily matched with anticipation of achieving something worthwhile. Those of us who have already "borne the shield" look back on our basic training days with nostalgia and usually with fond memories. I could cite several such memories myself.
Good luck to you, Dougal. I'm sure you'll do well. Take a shamrock with you just to be sure.