By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter

The unemployment rate hit a 14-year high in October. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons across the nation has increased by 2.8 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.7 percent. 

But, that's not affecting everyone. There are more than ten million unemployed persons.

The Armed Forces have found out with hard times upon us, the military is becoming a more attractive option, even in wartime.

Tuesday, a Century High School graduate began his Navy Seals program. It's time for him to ship out for a year and a half.

"I wake up at four o'clock in the morning with a bunch of other military folk going into the military -- long process before I head to the airport and ship out, it's a long process -- but I'm ready for it," said Daniel Staddart, leaving for Navy Seals training.

Daniel Staddart's passion for the military is a family tradition.

"I wanted to serve my country, and my family has a military background. My grandfather was in the navy and I was really close with my grandpa," said Staddart.

A local Navy recruiter spends time on the phone building interest in the program.

"We've seen a lot of walk-ins and phone-ins. People looking for more information for joining the navy and the military in general," said Aaron Cavin, US Navy Recruiter. "From the last three months that I've been here, four people have actually been able to join the navy and about 20 have applied."

Cavin's found thousands of people are interested in the military. He explained joining can better your life.

"The long term benefits include food and medical for the rest of your life and 50 percent of your wage for the rest of your life after 20 years of service," said Cavin.

A steady job and $40,000 bonus after training is motivation for Staddart.

"Paying for housing. Paying for education. I want to get my education through the navy, and I want to have fun doing it," said Staddart. "The military can only benefit you. It's going to benefit me and I know it so -- I'm excited."

The 18-year-old comes back from training in two months.

Another reason more people may be considering the military is President-elect Obama's promise to get America out of Iraq.

It's not just in the Navy, other branches have also found an increase of interest.