(U-WIRE) ANN ARBOR, Mich. – In this politically charged election season, it seems some 17- to 34-year-olds in Washtenaw County are choosing alternatives to joining the United States Army. Enlistment rates at the recruitment station in Ypsilanti, Mich., say as much.

“Two years ago, we enlisted 106 people into the United States Army,” explains Sergeant First Class David A. Spiker, a 35-year old U.S. Army Recruiter and 15-year seasoned soldier. “This year we’ve only recruited 82.”

Spiker blames the Afghanistan/Iraq war, fear installed by what he calls biased media, the upcoming election, and the fact that his office has two less recruiters this year.

Since the Ann Arbor area is more affluent and liberal, Spiker adds, the recruitment rate was affected more than in other areas, such as Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit.

“A lot of people see things going on in the media and make a decision based on what the media decides to show them,” said Spiker. “World events and the election have a lot to do with it.”

Sitting in a sterile, highly decorated office, Spiker clicks through photos of positive Iraq images on his laptop, showing a soldier and kitten, a squad praying together, a small child in the arms of what appears to be a member of the U.S. Army.

“These are the kinds of photos that aren’t making it into the media,” he said. However one-sided the media may or may not be, more than 1,050 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq since March of 2003, giving many young people reasons to avoid enlisting too quickly.

“I’ve never thought of enlisting and probably wouldn’t any time soon,” admits 23 year-old WCC student Matt Ackeberg. “I don’t believe there’s a reason for us to be over there.”

Other students find alternatives, such as education and work, more attractive.

“I’m busier working, more concentrated on going into the workforce,” said Dan San Filipo, a 26 year-old WCC Tool and Dye Maker apprentice. “I’d do it if I didn’t have anything else going.”

Finally, some individuals see the presidential election as the deciding factor behind enlistment. Sergeant Spiker admits many 17 year-olds eager to sign up are waiting on their parents to sign the permission slips. Their parents, on the other hand, are waiting to see who wins the presidential elections Nov. 2nd.

Despite the recent lull in recruitment rates, the U.S. Army continues to promote a plethora of benefits that soldiers will reap. A member of the U.S. Army receives training, $70,000 for continuing education from the Army College Fund and 100 percent medical and dental coverage.

“I’m enlisting because of my home life, college funding, and because there’s a whole new world to explore,” explains recently enlisted, 19 year-old James Lytle. “I plan on a military career and doing something in the outside world.”

– Hannah Northey