Recruiters for the United States Army Reserve were warmly welcomed when they visited the Diablo Valley College campus on Tuesday Feb. 3, yet students are mostly uninterested in the career path options they presented.

Staff Sgt. Steven Duran and Sgt. 1st Class Gerardo Avila came as representatives to the Pleasant Hill campus to recruit students into active duty or the Reserves, as well as to spread awareness about the benefits of being enlisted.

Benefits of enlisting in the Army include more than $72,000 for college aid through the GI bill, up to $4,500 of tuition assistance and free health care for the individual and their family.

Despite these advantages, some students report they are tolerant about recruiters approaching them on campus, but weary none the less.

Forestry major Isa Dolan, 20, said, “I would hope that (recruiters) are clear and open about what a person would be getting involved with.”

Business finance major Joe Wylie, 22, said 18 is too young for people to decide to join the army and that it would take a draft for him to personally join the army.

“If I had to make a life-changing decision at age 18, it probably wouldn’t end that well,” he said. “But everyone has the ability to make their own decision, so if you’re well informed, then it’s OK.”

According to their website, The United States Veteran’s Affairs office takes an average of about 8.5 months to complete a benefit claim and some potential recipients agree that the VA is not working as efficiently as they could be to promptly supply benefits and jobs for veterans who have served their country.

The United States Veteran’s Affairs office attributes the recent back-up of claim completions to a 50 % increase in the number of claims submitted as well as shortage of personnel to handle the work load.

Our own DVC’s Veteran’s Affairs office is working to make a difference in our community.

According DVC’s VA website, the office helps veteran students achieve their personal and academic goals by providing information regarding military and nonmilitary benefits, educational and career opportunities, and professional networking.

DVC student Sara Stinson, 23, thinks it’s good idea to have military information available on campus.

“I think the Army can be good for people who may have fewer options,” she said.

Although the Veteran’s affairs office is not affiliated with the Army reserve recruiters who visit campus, they both support and supply opportunities for people who are interested in pursuing higher education.