LAS VEGAS -- Jobs may be scarce around the Las Vegas Valley, but there's one industry that's hiring -- the military.

New Department of Defense numbers show a dramatic increase in recruiting in all branches of the armed forces.

Every single branch is 100 percent or above for their recruiting goals for fiscal 2009, including in the Valley -- where people of all ages are looking to Uncle Sam.

The Army recruiting office on South Decatur Boulevard has been busy. Recruiters said they have been signing people up to serve their country in a career they might not have normally chosen.

“Try something new, get something with a little more stability, a lot more security -- not only for themselves but their family -- with the benefits and all,” said Army Recruiter Sgt. Carlos Hernandez.

With unemployment in the Valley higher than 13 percent and expected to rise, people are looking for a regular paycheck and an opportunity to serve while possible learning new skill sets to make them more marketable in the workforce. Recent high school graduates are also taking advantage of getting college paid for before jumping into the workforce.

“My family owns restaurants. I've been working with them, and with the economy falling, I've noticed how much more of a struggle it is for us, and it did factor in how I need to step up,” said Ahlana Balcar, who just enlisted in the Army.

The local Marine Corps office said it has also seen a spike.

“We have seen some older people; however, we've seen high school seniors. It's a wide range that comes to this office for a different reason. Most of them come to serve their country, to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” said Marine Recruiter Sgt. Lindsey Munoz.

Commitments are different, depending on the branch of military selected -- but it's one industry that people know isn't going away.

“We' don't just force people into the Army, sucker them into doing something they don't want to do. It's something they have to want to do, and we'll help them out,” Hernandez said.

Military pay for the base level of a high school graduate begins around $16.50 to $17 a month. Those figures go up based on education and experience, with other ways to increase salaries. The jobs also come with complete benefits.

It's not just new recruit numbers that are up. Active duty retention also met or exceeded goals in every branch of the military.