Military Recruiting on Campus... with video games!

TAMPA - In the first few weeks of school... even in the hustle and bustle of getting to class and settling in... It's hard to let go of those old summer pastimes like playing video games:

"I like to be able to shoot people in the game and not get in trouble, Said Jasmine Grant. "Rather than shooting people out here and going to jail."

For the freshamnt, this gaming gathering out in front of Cooper Hall on the USF Campus was the perfect spot to kill a little time between classes...

And for the National Guard... She's the perfect target for their pitch.

"To help them pay for college and get tuition assistance and the scholarships," explained Steve Casto -- as he got the tent ready for its first visitors of the day.

There were some uniformed National Guard members circulating through the gaming gathering spot, but this event's officially hosted by an outfit called Interactive Gaming Expereince.  While some of the games with names like Modern Warfare and Call of Duty emulate the military millieu, the organizers here are quick to point out there is a distinct difference.

"No not at all," said Casto, emphasising that he's just there to drum up the interest, not recruit. "If you're going to be interested in getting into the National Guard, you'll have to go through the basic training and how to even use the modern weapons and technology that they have out there that assists the soldier today."

Which is not lost of Cadet Justin Williams, seen playing a war game.

"Six years of prior enlisted service...I''ve seen a lot," he said, cradling a joystick in his right hand. "It puts it right there ready."

And while he's ready to go, it's gonna be a tough sell for most:

"Ever consider joining up the national guard?" we asked Jasmine Grant, between the game over and restart screens. "Maybe sometimes," she said. "But not really too much."

But at least they got her in the tent.