No matter what your political affiliation no one can deny that sending our men and woman out to fight a war is not only scary but it takes a brave individual to do so. We all have our views on the war, and even if you’re against it you should respect the men and women who are putting their lives on the line. I won’t go into the politics of it all this time. In my opinion the government officials have made a mess out of the situation in Iraq, but I respect our troops and their fulfillment of one of the hardest jobs there is.

I was curious when I saw two Marines on campus two weeks ago. I wondered if they were doing a standard issue recruitment job on campus and whether Sacramento State students were signing up with a passion to give Iraq a democracy. As it turns out though the two Marines on campus were talking to students about the Marine Corps Officer program. This is not your standard: sign here, head out to boot camp in a month and lock yourself into two-to-four years of service for your country.

Captain Charles Crowe is part of the officer selection program in the Marine Corps. Captain Crowe told me that he does not actively pursue students on campus but if they are interested in being an officer in the Marine Corps he provides information on the application and selection process. Sac state is part of a district the covers most State Universities from Salt Lake City West.

To become an Officer you have to be a college graduate. Six Sac State students have applied and of those Crowe anticipates that three will actually be chosen to attend officer training.

Captain Crowe said that there are monetary benefits, but those interested only in the money are not the kind of individuals they are looking for. They want people who have a great desire to lead. I was curious as to whether this was really a stand back approach to finding leaders for the corps, and so I spoke with William Fisher. Fisher is an 18-year old freshman communications major at Sac State, and said he found out about the officers program online. Fisher is currently waiting to see if he will be selected by the officer programs board to attend officer training after graduation.

Fisher has always wanted to serve his country and said he feels that it’s his duty to give back to a country that has done so much for him. I couldn’t help thinking as I spoke with Fischer and other random students on campus if the war was a deterrent at all from signing up. I mean it’s a war! People die in wars. And with every war there are politics that people may or may not agree with.

“War has nothing to do with it,” Fisher said. “But definitely after 911, I took it personally and wanted to join up even more.”

To my surprise younger people are considering signing up and going over seas on their own free will with no dreaded draft needed. Maybe it makes me sound unpatriotic, but I was a surprised to learn through talking to a few different students that military life in the Marine Corps is something that the younger age group is taking seriously and considering frequently.

Michael Macayan, 21, junior and Biological Science major, said he thinks about joining up and also said the war had little to do with whether he eventually would or would not do so.

“I think it’s great for people who want to make a difference.” said Macayan.I think it’s impressive because these Sac State students may not agree with the politics, but would fight for our country anyway. Making a difference and being a leader is important and I am proud of anyone who is willing to potentially die for our country. I commend these people. It’s amazing that people, especially our young people, are willing to go to war simply on the fact that it is what our country has asked of them.

Still whether you agree with this war or not; you have to admit that it is honorable no matter what branch our men and women serve in. Those who are fighting are the bravest and the best in the world, and that is something we can all be proud of.