A troubled economy and tough job market are prompting more college graduates to give a career in the military a closer look. Locally, recruitment goals have slowed with an increase of applications.

Over the last few years military officials said more college graduates are choosing to be all they can be.

Department of Defense statistics show more applicants than ever signing up to serve their country.

"As far as a college degree now a days yep because of the economy could be the unemployment rate, finding a job they may find more of an opportunity through the military," said Captain Peter Morales.

Captain Morales said recruitment levels for the Marine Corps saw a dramatic increase in 2008 and that recruitment goals have been decreased in the last few years to stay within congressionally mandated levels.

Military recruiters said they now have a larger and much more qualified pool of applicants to choose from, and those currently in the armed services are staying in longer.

"As we retain our steady numbers, more Marines are staying in the Marine Corps," said Captain Morales. "We have almost a backlog," he added. "We have applicants who are just waiting their turn. They could possibly wait all the way up to next summer of 2011," he said.

Local recruiters said that backlog shows no sign of getting shorter as many applicants seek out the kind of benefits and educational opportunities offered by the armed forces.

Local recruiters also said they are also seeing a slight increase in applications from high school graduates.

"This area is a very patriotic area and we have seen people coming in over the past few years wanting to serve the Marine Corps for simply to serve their country," said Staff Sgt. Neal Kentish.

If selected to serve, college graduates traditionally earn more than high school enlistees.

But recruiters said both tracks have the potential for a long term career.