PORTAGE | Portage High School may house one of the largest JROTC programs, but it doesn't boast the region's only soon-to-be soldiers.

Schools in Gary, Hobart, Lowell and Merrillville also provide JROTC programs.

At three years old, the course at Merrillville High School is in its infancy. It instructs 120 students across four grade levels, a volume that pleases director Maj. Guy Ramey.

Of this year's seniors, four have chosen active duty for their post-graduation plans.

"It doesn't scare me that I would have to go (to war)," said 18-year-old Amber Barnes, who's leaving Merrillville for the Air Force this June.

"Some people aren't made for college," she said, "even though I have the grades for it." She was made for the Air Force, she said.

The JROTC program at Lowell High School has guided five seniors to active duty, including Kory Hannsz. She was inspired, in part, by fashion.

"My brother would come home in the uniform and I thought it looked really cool," she said. So the 17-year-old decided to don her own Navy uniform to become a soldier in the making.

Once active, she could be building anything from homes to the military's obstacle courses.

Hannsz talks online weekly with her brother, Cody, who's stationed in Baghdad with the Army. She's nothing but excited when discussing the chance of following him overseas.

"If it's serving my country, I really don't care where I have to go."