Amer, you are absolutely correct – but only regarding those who are really learning – and Rav Gustman said that in time of war that means that they sleep with their shoes on ready to go to the bet midrash at a moment’s notice like soldiers. This is only true of a small elite and everyone agrees that they should receive a deferment (although really they should also begin their learning with a declaration that in its merit the troops should be successful and also periodically give shiurim) . They must be encouraged to serve in the IDF and go to work.
edited for obvious reasons, lack of validity being one of them