The really weird part is that it's not forced on him by drugs or any form of torture.

It's actually... really peaceful. They're treated well, their lives are secure, they're fed and clothed and cared for, but there's no escape. If you try to escape, you'll be brought back, or you'll be killed remotely when they terminate the subdermal implant or when you're foolish enough to try to remove it (mwahahaha). My character's life has led him to do whatever it takes to survive, and in this case, he has to stay put. He can't escape (or he'll die), so his only choice is to sit around and do what they tell him while they train him for war.

Eventually, of course, events will give him the oomph to go down a different path, but for a while, he'll just be stuck there...

Thanks for the fantastic advice! I will work on portraying the condition as an antagonist. It really is; it's peaceful and nice, but in order to be accepted and find their place, all of these people must give up their freedom and autonomy.

I'm really, really happy that the description made you a little interested in the character! Thank you so much again!