Coast Guard has no problem attracting recruits.

• Author: Magnuson, Stew
• Position: SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs - Brief article

WHILE SERVICES SUCH AS the Army and Marines have had difficulties attracting recruits as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan grind on, that's not the case at the Coast Guard.

The service met 101 percent of its recruiting goals for active duty enlisted personnel for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. The Coast Guard exceeded its goal of 3,950, attracting an extra 42 members.

"Interest in the Coast Guard is high," said Capt. Steven E. Vanderplas, the head of the recruiting command. The highly visible role the service played in Hurricane Katrina "vividly" illustrated that the "Coast Guard is an exciting, relevant career choice for America's youth," he said.

The service, however, fell 5 percent short of its goal of attracting active duty and reserve commissioned officers, filling 317 of its 334 slots.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen...