"No one has been able to tell me so far what makes military/LE service special, I guess I can't figure it out because I'm just a stupid marine."
You're not stupid brother, just frustrated beyond the point where you're able to listen and understand the explanations people are giving you.
The existence and success of Expertcity is based on market research which shows that certain groups of people exert disproportionately high amounts of influence on the purchase decisions of other consumers. As a business owner, you know how expensive effective advertisement and marketing can be. When Vortex's mil/leo program results in many PRS matches appearing to be Vortex sponsored with 8/10 competitors using Vortex products and sporting Vortex apparel (wisely) included free of charge with their latest Expertcity order you know the strategy is working!
Teachers, coal miners, scientists, parents, etc, aren't any less valuable than our law enforcement or military personnel. The difference is that if I was looking to drop 2-3 grand or more on coal mining shit, science shit, shit for kids, etc, I would probably be asking experts in those product categories what they use rather than just guessing what will work for me and hoping I'm not about to waste my money. In turn, when they decide to buy a pair of binoculars, a riflescope, a spotting scope, or a laser rangefinder they ask me..
As others have pointed out, Vortex's decision to offer a generous MIL/LEO program is an important part of their branding, and a wise business decision imo. I've personally recommended Vortex products to hundreds of people over the years based on my experience with their products acquired through the mil/leo program.
K