The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - From Army tanks to basic-training climbing walls to Saddam Hussein's head, patrons of the Kentucky State Fair are getting an up-close look at the armed services.

It's part of the recruiting process by the nation's military, said Julia Bobick, spokeswoman for the Army Recruiting Command, with headquarters at Fort Knox.

"Events like these are primarily awareness campaigns," Bobick said. "They attract a large number of people, and it is a chance for our recruiters to interact with people of all ages who may have questions."

The state fair lasts through Sunday.

Making impressions on even young children can have benefits for recruiters, she said.

"We have to remember that the young people are our future, and events like this may pay off for us in a few years down the road," Bobick said.

Sgt. Brandon Casey of Greenville, a member of the Kentucky National Guard, said fairgoers who show the keenest interest in the military's exhibits are too young to join.

"Most of the kids we've seen so far have been small, just little," said Casey, one of the soldiers helping operate the inflatable obstacle course. But he said they seemed to have a good time.

Nearby, Sean Howell of Mount Washington said he didn't mind spending his 14th birthday at the fair, and taking in the Army exhibits was fine with him.

But Howell said he is not sure how the military will fit into his plans to become a video-game tester.

"I don't know if I'd join the Army or not," Sean said. "I been thinking about it, but I am not sure it's something I could do. I might be too lazy."

His mother, Alicia Howell, said the exposure to soldiers and the military exhibits at the fair are a good thing for Sean to experience.

"I am not sure what he wants to do, but who knows?" she said.