A surge of patriotism swept the country in the aftermath of 9/11. Now, the war on terrorism continues. The possibility of war with Iraq looms on the horizon.

But none of that has translated to an increase in recruiting for the U.S. Navy, said Kayla Thompson, public affairs officer for Navy recruiting for the district of Montgomery.

Thompson added that most who decide to join the military do so for other reasons than just patriotism alone.

Those benefits include such things as education, financial and travel benefits.

When it comes to education, Thompson said that the Navy will pay 100 percent of a recruit’s tuition payments. Room and board and books are still extra.

Pay for enlisted officers varies from $1,150.83 per month for beginning officers to $4,757.36 for more senior officers, according to the latest figures.

Then, of course, there is the travel.

Petty Officer Edward A. Theodoro, who is in charge of recruiting at the Navy Recruiting Station in Selma, which is located near the front entrance of the Selma Mall, said he joined the navy mainly &uot;because of the education and the travel.&uot;

Similarly Petty Officer Wayne McCray, another navy recruiting officer in Selma, who was born and raised in Selma, said he originally joined because of the education benefits.

Theodoro added that those wish to find out what the Navy has to offer may either come to the recruiting office or could call 872-8353.