Economy Down, Army Recruitment Way Up

Royal Palm Beach-- The U.S. Army is reporting a remarkable increase in people seeking to enlist. While the danger is clear-- on-going wars overseas-- people are flocking to recruitment offices because they face economic dangers here at home.

Clinton Lara and Nick Moore are about to graduate high school and go into the army.A momentous decision for these Seminole Ridge High School seniors, but one that became easier to swallow once they talked to their local recruiter and saw the benefits of joining. "Job security, pre-paid college tuition, you can't get that training anywhere else," said Lara.

Staff at the Royal Palm Beach Army recruitment office say they have seen a 50% increase in people signing up from last year. Overall, from Vero Beach to Delray Beach, Army recruitment offices have seen a 43% jump. Sgt. Daniel Nieman says it has everything to do with people's pocketbooks. "The biggest increase we've seen is because of the economy. The army offers job stability and career enhancement," said Neiman.

Lara wants to be a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Deputy, for the next 5 years he will be training for it. " Training just like the Sheriff's Office in Palm Beach County, but in the Army," he said. The army touts: free medical and dental benefits, a stable pay check, guaranteed job training, and even payed tuition. Recruit Nick Moore's family liked that offer. "We first planned for college but didn't have a way to pay for that. The Army offers $47,000 with a Montgomery G.I. Bill so I am going to use that," said Moore.

But is that worth the risk of getting killed in Iraq or Afghanistan? These two don't seem to phased by it. "I always wanted to join the Army, since I was little," said Lara.

Nationally, the Department of Defense reports the Marine Corps saw the largest increase in the Armed Forces this year. Navy and Air Force are about flat.