Montanans swarming to enlist in the National Guard

HELENA (AP) - Montana enlistments in the Army National Guard have jumped 26 percent over last year, and the Air National Guard is on pace to top its banner year of 2001, top Guard officials report.

The surge comes after a slump for both branches last year.

The bloody battles in Iraq and the extended deployment of troops there not only are not discouraging signups, but may be helping, said Lt. Col. Steve Martinka, recruiting and retention manager with the Montana Army National Guard.

Some people are joining precisely for the opportunity to serve in Iraq, he said. Several Montana Army National G...