Military Enlistments Up as Job Opportunities Disappear in America

With recent headlines blaring about 40,000 jobs lost in one week as American businesses slim their staffs, many Americans are joining the military. The military has always been a haven for young people in need of a stable income and a learning opportunity. Now the New York Times reports that "the last fiscal year was a banner one for the military, with all active-duty and reserve forces meeting or exceeding recruitment goals."

From October to December 2008, the Army beat its recruitment goals, with 21,443 new enlistees on active duty and in reserves. With an end to the war in Iraq looming as President Obama takes the helm of our nation, many people who may have waited for more certainty of the war's end may now be joining the military.

Also the NY Times reports that the updated G.I. Bill, which provides expanded educational benefits, is a huge lure to new enlistees. Now, service members with at least 3 years' active duty are eligible "to attend any public college at government expense or apply the payment toward tuition at a private university."

With college tuition soaring ever higher many young Americans may feel the military is the only way they will be able to afford college. I have talked to students who enlisted in the military and they often said they did it for the eventual college tuition they would receive.

It is always a brave act to join the military. I myself cannot imagine being that brave. I have had female students who joined the military. I used to look at them and wonder how they could make such a brave step to venture into the unknown world of military service where one has little control over where they are stationed. Being sent to a possible war with a military job was just too much of a risk for me to want.

So kudos to America's new enlistees for bravery and patriotism. Good luck as you serve our country and know that Americans are praying for peace and for your safety.

Source: www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/us/19recruits.html?hp