More people are leaving civilian life to serve in the military. All branches of the military say their recruiting numbers are up. Some people are joining for patriotism, others do it for a paycheck.

For Army National Guard Specialist Evan Stone, enlisting was an easy decision.

"They were offering $20,000 enlistment bonuses for the infantry," he told WSBT. "And that number right there caught me."

Stone joined the service in 2006, the summer after he graduated from Elkhart Central. He said he knew if he worked it the right way, 100 percent of his college could be paid for.

Hospital Corpsman Eric Nichols says he joined the service in 2003.

"I felt it was kind of a payment [to my country] for the democracy I got to enjoy," he explained.

Nichols knew the Navy would pay for some of his college, but he didn't expect to gain even more benefits along the way.

"As they end up bringing [more benefits] in so that more people will join the military, those of us already in will also get to enjoy some of those benefits," Nichols said.

Both Nichols and Stone are part of record-setting enlistment numbers in all branches of the military. The Indiana National Guard already has 300 more recruits than its goal for 2008.

"Although the economy has slowed, people are still joining because they want to serve their country," said Indiana National Guard Major John Pitt.

But most soldiers will tell you the enlistment and education benefits are enticing, especially with a struggling economy. National Guard soldiers can also earn up to $1,000 for each person they help recruit.

Specialist Evan Stone and Hospital Corpsman Evan Nichols both say they're happy with their decision to enlist, both have served overseas, and both will tell you they wouldn't think twice about doing it again.

In another effort to increase recruiting numbers, the military relaxed its application requirements. A recent report from the Pentagon shows some recruits in the Army, Marines and the Navy have felony crimes such as burglary, grand larceny and aggravated assault.

For more information, read:
Marine Corps, Army exceed recruiting goals
Army Recruits who get in despite bad conduct promoted faster
Military Waivers for Ex-Convicts Increase