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Despite low public opinion about the war in Iraq (web|news), local Marine recruitment is expected to exceed last year's numbers.
At Fort Indiantown Gap on Saturday, hundreds of young people got a first hand look at boot camp. Organizers say the program was two-fold: educate future Marines and their families about the corps, and make sure those who signed up can handle the physical and mental demands of boot camp.
"The ones that maybe aren't so sure if this is something they want to do, they get to see if they're going to be able to handle it," said Marine Cpl. Jesse Stence.
20-year-old Andrew Saylor will be heading to basic training in a few months. He enlisted to prepare for his future career goal of becoming a police officer.
"The Marines is definitely a challenge and it will push me to become a better person, self discipline, self reliance," said Saylor.
Public support for the war in Iraq is down. A nation-wide CNN survey shows 68% of those polled oppose the war. Yet, military recruiting is actually up.
"No matter what the situation is, there's men and women in this country that want to challenge themselves mentally and physically," said Cpl. Stence.
According to usmilitary.about.com, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps met or exceeded recruitment goals in 2007.
As for the Marine recruitment effort in East-central Pennsylvania, last year 1,000 people went to boot camp. This year, Marines are expecting even more.
"As long as we have a United States of America, there are going to be people willing to fill it's ranks," said Staff Sgt. Chad Townsend.
Saylor is willing and appreciated the sneak peak at the Marine Corps lifestyle. "It's rough. I'm definitely going to be running some more to get ready for Paris Island, but I think I can handle it," he said.
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