Military Matters: The Army Strong Experience - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Just as colleges invite high school football recruits to visit their campuses, the military has a similar program.    

It's called The Army Strong Experience, a chance for young people to find out what the military is all about.

The U. S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft. Benning, GA. hosts the event, which is now in its third year.

Members recently greeted close to 400 young men and women from all over Georgia and Alabama. 

Barnesville 10^th grader Aaron Michel was among them.

"I had a pretty good grasp on the military as far as research and all that", said Michel.  "Seeing the Rangers here and all that, it's pretty cool."

The Lamar County Comprehensive High School student has decided to join the Army when he graduates, as has Warren Butts of suburban Atlanta.

"Mostly for college, you know", said Butts, a senior at Osborne High School in Marietta. "To get more discipline and get training in different types of fields."

Butts is especially excited about earning a paycheck while learning. "You know, they pay you to train you so it's one way to make money"

Both young men were impressed with Specialist Matthew Sweeney's speed-shooting demonstration. So was yours truly. Enough to give it a try.

Using a 9mm pistol, Spec. Sweeney hit five targets in 2.4 seconds. The world record is 1.9 seconds.

Your trusty morning news anchor, on the other hand, needed a full 16 seconds and roughly five extra attempts to hit those same targets. It gives one a new appreciation of marksmanship.

Asked what the students soak up during their day on post, public affairs officer Michael Molinaro said "I think they're going to realize that there are a lot of jobs the Army has to offer them."

And they'll get that information, while still in school.

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