Proffesional army just makes it a job with strongly above average payment, potentially high-risk and no real education requiments. Not sure why anyone would be fanatical. Forcing or tricking people in doesn't really seem that cool to me.
For starter, when you choose as path for life the path of a soldier, it surely means you aren't exactly that much against violence. Again, knowing that violence sometimes in this world can't be avoided doesn't mean being a fanatic, but you see, it's the same old equation:
not all religious people are religious fanatics, but all religious fanatics are religious people.
Then, and this might be because Italy has always been a border region during the Cold War and as such we had enormous cultural pressures from both sides that split the population in half, many of those renown professional corps in the military we had for the longest time are also unfortunately well known for being mostly made of pretty extreme
fascists. Sorry if it might sound an outdated term, but in this case it still is mostly true.
I'm not going to say here anything about the perception I might have of other countries' professional armies or specific corps, as that's what it is: perception, and it can be misguided, but to make an example we don't even have here the whole "come into the marines, you'll help keep the peace and bring candies to the poor third world kids while at it, we're the good guys" pop-culture they use in America for recruiting you; if you apply for Folgore here (to name what probably is the most infamous corp, even though professionally speaking they sure are excellent) you know what you're getting into. Mostly the same breed of guys that when are on leave in Rome like to hunt for homosexuals. The patriotic culture that promotes the military as heroic, or anyway something to be proud to be part of - which is at least a good share of the reason why you could be prone to consider such a career - is completely missing here outside specific, usually very explicit political circles.
Furthemore, in certain countries joining the military might be a good solution to actually
get an higher education when you can't afford one through other means. Which is another "neutral" reason to join. In Italy? Heh, don't make me laugh, it's great if you get a license for driving heavy vehicles out of it.
And don't worry, the stoning and burning will come only if you'll have sex, masturbate or do serious crimes, like leaving your house without asking if you're allowed to.
Though if I stay at home watching mahou shoujo anime I guess I might end up burned for witchcraft. Wait... talking ponies are magic too... oh crap!

Anyway, this military off topic brought to mind what has also almost been a deal breaker for me in the past, and thus back on topic. Well, my ideology on the matter must be pretty clear now even though I tried being as diplomatic as I could, anyway I remember when I was dating the one who became the longest relationship of my life (and also probably the only woman I've ever loved) in the beginning I really was
deeply bugged out by the fact she went out with a soldier before me. Nothing serious nor long, we were youngsters at the time after all, but believe me I oh so wanted to bitch all the time about how could she have liked some
dumbass fascist ape from the military and now like me. I managed to limit myself to mentioning it out loud only once, then hearing how stupid I did sound to my own ears I did not fall for it again. Yet it still bugged me for a while at the beginning.
Now I'm older and - hopefully - more mature about that, but on the other hand I guess certain political views would still be a major deal breaker for me. Sorry but there are certain fundamental concepts about politics, equality, justice et cetera I really can't compromise on. I can respect a different opinion and actually be happy to debate them, but still with you taking the role of my "enemy", sure not the role of my partner.