THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, March 29, 1996                 TAG: 9603290042
SECTION: DAILY BREAK              PAGE: E1   EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY LUIS PAREDES, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   62 lines

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION: ***************************************************************** A Teenology story in Friday's Daily Break erroneously stated that high school seniors joining the U.S. military can expect to handle AK-47 rifles. That rifle is not used by the U.S. military. Correction published in The Virginian-Pilot, Tuesday, April 2, 1996, on page A2. ***************************************************************** SOME JOIN MILITARY FOR TRAINING, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AFTER GRADUATING from high school, a handful of seniors will find careers handling AK-47 rifles, driving tanks, or flying jets. They've opted to join the military.

``I joined for the simple fact that I didn't want to go straight into college,'' said Margie Owens, a senior at Cox High School, who joined the Air Force. ``It will help me get into college.''

Students have found that military life offers more than just practicing war games; there are educational opportunities through the GI Bill, and as Margie said, ``It'll give you a sense of direction.''

The military offers a variety of classes and training in communications, computer programming, electronics and other technical fields. It can also develop leadership skills.

Jason Gustofson, a senior at Cox, will be attending the Naval Academy in the fall.

To get into the four-year military college, Gustofson had to write to senators for a recommendations. He wrote to the White House and received one from President Clinton.

He also had to pass medical and physical exams and an interview.

``The guy asked questions and wanted to know if I was the kind of person the Academy wanted. It's a long process that takes months, and many don't make it.''

Jason said he'd like to major in mechanical engineering and is planning a career in the Navy.

``I'd like to be an admiral,'' Jason said. ``I would like to get everyone to achieve a goal and get everyone in one direction.''

Once Owens finishes her time in Air Force, she'll use the Montgomery GI Bill and go to college.

The bill provides college money for those in the military reserves and those who've finished their enlistment in the service. The military will deduct $100 a month from your pay during the first year of enlistment and can later contribute up to $30,000 toward college tuition. Reserve members can receive the benefits while they are enlisted.

The amount depends on the branch of service and how long you served.

``They pay 75 percent of your college and you basically get it for free,'' said Margie, who would like to be a registered nurse or physical therapist.

While Margie is looking forward to the military life, she admits it isn't for everyone.

``If (students) think they can handle someone giving them orders, then go for it,'' Margie said. ``But if you're a rebel, then it's not for you.' by CNB