FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) _ With the economy in recession, more young members of the Army, Air Force and Navy have decided to re-up.

Several factors might explain the rise in re-enlistments, including a decline in violence in Iraq. But Pentagon officials acknowledge that bad news for the economy is usually good news for the military.

In fact, the Pentagon just completed its strongest recruiting year in four years.

Sgt. Ryan Nyhus recently re-enlisted at Fort Riley. When his tour in Iraq ended last April, he talked to his wife about getting out of the Army and working toward a college degree. But the father of a 2-year-old daughter opted for the job security, even though he is likely to be sent back to Iraq.

The 21-year-old says the Army guarantees ``a steady paycheck and a job.''

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)