Yeah. It's funny (in absurd, horrible-sort of the way) then how willing some Western governments are to resort to it if it secures their interest.
Now that I think about it again, it was also referred to in Muv Luv Alternative, if in slightly different flavoring.
I think during the Coup arc, Takeru mentions that as an "outisder" to the world of perpetual war, the forced draft, training and horrific casualties are absolutely terrifying, but to "natives" it is pretty normal. However, to him, it is also more normal that humans fight other humans, because that was how his world looked. By comparison its mentioned his comrades are more accustomed to fighting, but have difficulty comprehending that people could fight people, because they spent their lives fighting aliens instead. Takeru has fewer such "inhibitions".
I'm pretty sure its also implied that American style of training people in anti-TSF combat is what makes a lot of nations scared shitless of them. At least in supplement works.
Which brings us to another point: does this Base need a TSF pilot?