1.  What is the main idea of this article?

2.  The three new recruits described in the article are Caity, Asher and Ross.  For each, describe their backgrounds (including achievements) and then the branch of service, type of unit in which they will serve and reason for their choice.

3.  Make a list of reasons people have for signing up for military service (give at least 5).  What are probably the top two reasons most young people have today for enlisting?  Explain your answer.

4.  Why did each of the recruits described in the article enlist in the military?
Do you think that the reasons the recruits presented in this article are different from those of most other recruits?  Explain your answer.

5.  Many times, military recruits are portrayed by anti-war activists as victims; people who have no other option but to join the military; that they are poor, uneducated and without opportunity.  Has the mainstream media done a good job of showing the public who our military men and women really are?  Explain your answer.

6.  Whether highly educated or not, our military men and women are honorable and capable.  Why isn't the media seeking out stories of bravery and valour on the part of our military and reporting on them?  Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or online news source, either to:
--congratulate them on their thorough coverage of our military in Iraq/Afghanistan or
--to request that they investigate and report more on our military heroes, etc.