The U.S. Marines is always asking for a few good men. On Sunday, they’ll get two from Andalusia – Ethan Jones and Ashton Evans.

The recent high school graduates elected to join the armed serves under the branch’s “buddy program,” which authorizes recruiting officers to guarantee applicants who desire to attend recruit training together assignment to the same recruit platoon.

The two have attended school together since kindergarten. Evans was the first to decide he wanted to be a Marine.

“I wanted to be part of something that gave me a challenge,” said the son of Antonio and Sara Evans of Andalusia, who plans to enter into the logistics field after basic training. He said he plans to make a career of his time in the military.

Jones, the son of Marcus Jones and Sherry Perdue of Andalusia, said he plans to pursue engineering, but is unsure if he will make the military his career.

“I like the challenge of being a Marine,” Jones said. “Everyone always says that Marines are crazy tough. My family’s mentality is that you should always do something to the best of your ability. Of all the branches, people say that the Marines are the hardest. I want to say I did. I want to be part of something.”

The two will travel to Montgomery Sunday. On Monday, they will arrive at Parris Island, S.C., for basic training.

The athletic teens – Jones, a basketball/baseball/soccer player, and Evans, a Bulldog linebacker and running back – have spent months training.

While it’s unknown what the future holds for the two, they’re ready to meet it head on.

“I’m ready to start my life after high school,” Jones said.

Evans agreed. “ I’m tired of being stuck in the middle,” he said.

After attending 13 weeks of basic training, the two will return home for a 10-day visit.