Terrorist attacks may take on a whole new meaning for some Greenway students who have chosen to enlist in the military in spite of current events.

Greenway students, Seniors Steve Davis and Ken Farnsworth both joined the U.S. Marine Corps this year.

Farnsworth said the terrorist attacks only made him more determined to enlist. “It’s something I always wanted to do because I knew I would be able to help. If I don’t do it, who’s going to? I can’t expect someone to do something that I wouldn’t do myself.”

Farnsworth’s feelings about war are similar to most Americans. “If we have to go to war, then we have to go to war,” he said. “If it’s going to happen, then I want to be able to help out and make a difference.”

Davis, who signed up July 25, said after the Sept. 11 attacks, his recruiter wanted him to get out of school sooner so he could defend his country.

“War in general to me is just a part of life,” he added, but many students have had negative reactions about his decision. “It just made me want to try harder,” he said.

Criticism has also been an issue with Farnsworth who said people tell him that he should’ve enlisted in a different branch of the military. Others often say, “What’s the matter with you?”

Both Davis and Farnsworth will go to boot camp for 92 days, then attend college full-time and officer training each summer. They hope to be in the Marine Recon doing covert ops— “things that CNN doesn’t cover,” Davis said.

According to Farnsworth, they leave for basic training on June 3. Until then, they will be training with the corps once a week and attending pool meetings one Saturday per month. At pool meetings, recruits run, rock climb and hike, among other activities.

“I am expected to be the best (that I can be) in every aspect, mentally and physically,” Farnsworth explained.

According to Brooks, new recruits will encounter life unlike anything they’ve ever known as a civilian.

As far as what it means to him to serve in the military, he said, “The Marines will allow me the opportunity to be successful in life and to excel beyond the rest.

Being a Marine isn’t just a job or a pastime, it’s a way of life, he said.

According to Master Chief Jimmy Brooks, NJROTC leader, “When a new recruit or officer candidate first enters the military, he or she is in for a rude awakening.”

Brooks said the military is looking for students who are team players, willing to give up their individuality and have a positive mindset.

“There is no ‘I’ in team,” Brooks said. “You must leave your individuality at the door when you enter the recruiter’s office and take the oath of enlistment.”

A new recruit can expect to spend eight to thirteen weeks for enlisted boot camp; however, the time spent training depends on what service he or she has enlisted for.

“All prospective new recruits need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the transition they will be facing as they undergo conversion from civilian to military.

“Recruits can look forward to a rewarding career if they decide to stay in the military beyond their initial enlistment,” he said.

According to Brooks, the military is like any other job; if a recruit does his or her best, he or she will get promoted. With promotions comes increased privileges, but also increased responsibilities.