Interest in military service is increasing amid the economic downturn, as unemployment spikes and college students loaded with debt hunt for jobs that don’t exist, local military recruiters said.

U.S. Army enlistment bonuses can reach $40,000, with student loan payments of up to $65,000, said Sgt. Eric Tremblay. Up to $81,000 is available for education.
“People are interested in joining for a bunch of different reasons,” he said. “But our incentive packages are pretty attractive.”

Recruiters with the Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marines at the Armed Forces Recruiting Center on State Road report steady foot traffic from both men and women. U.S. Navy representatives were not available.

“The La Crosse area is a very patriotic community,” Tremblay said. “People are interested in military service.”

Health insurance and college tuition benefits have grown more important in the current economic environment, said U.S. Air Force Sgt. William Tucker.

“I think the quality of life and benefits in the Air Force attract people,” he said.

Even with the increased interest — especially from college students plagued by loan debt — enlistment numbers for the Marines have not jumped because of demanding mental and physical requirements, said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hochbaum.

“In the end, they make the decision to join because they want to be a Marine, not because of the economy,” he said.

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