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EAST LIVERPOOL - At the age of 40, and when most people might start thinking about retirement plans and investments, Brian Marx has decided to start a whole new career.

Marx, a 1988 Oak Glen High School graduate and former athlete, has enlisted in the U.S. Army.

On Dec. 28, Marx begins nine weeks of basic training at Fort Knox, Ken., surrounded by kids half his age and yet facing the same challenges.

A few years ago, the military upped the age limit for recruits from 35 to 42, and Marx saw more than an opportunity. He saw an obligation.

"I really think I came to the conclusion I wanted to do this around 9 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001," Marx said, referring to the terrorist attacks that day. "I think, like everybody did, you could have given me a pair of boots and picked me up in a van that day, and I would have gone anywhere in the world."

At the time, other circumstances prevented Marx from acting on that desire.

"I was married at the time, and you just can't pick up and go and do that sort of thing," Marx said. "But, that idea never really left. I don't think it leaves anybody. I think we all have a desire to serve or want to help."

After graduating from Oak Glen, Marx moved away from the Tri-State area in 1997 and headed to Florida. He was a successful restaurant manager.

"It got to the point where I looked at it and told myself that I am fairly successful, run a few restaurants and make a good living, but in two years I'd be doing the same thing and not have the opportunity to do this," Marx noted.

So, at the age of 40, Marx opted to serve his county. He went to a U.S. Army recruiting station and made his pitch.

"I wanted to see if it was an option and if they told me at any point and time it was not possible, well at least I gave it a try," Marx remembered. "The closest thing I've ever done involving the military was when I participated in West Virginia Boys State," he added with a smile.

Marx will not be given special treatment, and he has no advantage over his 17- or 18-year-old fellow recruits.

"The only difference is when your age is established, you have an over-40 physical. You have to qualify under all the normal physical items, but you have some more specialized tests," Marx noted. He had to get a cholesterol test, additional blood tests and an EKG for any potential heart problem.

Marx passed the standard written test with high marks, and he's been deemed physically fit.

He will enter as an E3 - a Private - and start off at Fort Knox with nine weeks of basic training. He will then head to Augusta, Ga., for 12 weeks of communications training and then head to Fort Benning for the Ranger Indoctrination Program.

By mid-July or August of 2010, he will be assigned to a unit. He fully expects to serve overseas in a combat situation.

The decision to enlist for a four-year term, and an eight-year commitment, will, if all goes well, turn into a career for Marx.

"I think everybody my friends and my family they know this is not a flighty decision," Marx said. "A few of my friends have even checked into doing the same thing, but it's different for different people. If I was still married or if I had kids, I would not be doing this."

For the last several weeks, Marx has been staying with his mother, Bobbie Bailey, at her East Liverpool home along Dairy Lane. His father lives in Pittsburgh.

He's been staying in shape by running and lifting weights at the downtown YMCA.

Marx said he's ready both physically and mentally.

"I know there will be a lot of nicknames I get when I arrive," Marx said. "I know that I'll be taking orders from some people that will be half my age.

"But it's also a chance to show the younger recruits about leadership and how to follow commands."

Marx said the decision to serve comes from a desire to serve and not to prove a point.

"If it's not me, then who?" Marx asked rhetorically. "I don't have any problem being in these tough situations, and I plan to do my best. This situation was right for me, and I hope to serve well."