He’s at the Army’s service

While the job at Toyota is protected for up to five years, the change in lifestyle for Migletz will no doubt be drastic. For starters, he stands to see his pay cut by 55%, and his family would likely relocate, he said.

“When we were dating he told me that he was going to join the military because that’s what he has always wanted to do,” said wife Winny Migletz, who manages research grant funds at UCLA. “It might not be easy, especially financially and emotionally, but we’ll make it. He’ll be a great soldier.”

Winny Migletz has seen the look on her husband’s face when he’s in his element, which for the last few months has been among guys nearly half his age at Future Soldier Training, weekly courses that aim to prepare men and women mentally, physically and emotionally for the rigors of the Army.

The crew, which ranges in age from 18 to their mid-to-late 20s, learn to read maps, military history and how to march, Allen said.

“Certainly, I am going to be one of the older, experienced guys,” said Migletz, adding that he’s down to 175 pounds and hopes to serve with the Army’s armor branch. “One of the guys who keeps people in check.”

If he navigates his way through nine weeks of boot camp and 12 weeks of officer candidate school, scheduled to begin July 28 at Fort Benning, Ga., Migletz said there’s also a good chance he’ll see combat before his three-year contract is up.

“I realize some people, even myself at times, see this as a selfish thing to do,” he said. “I don’t want to dwell on that. People who get it, get it.”

 CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO covers Burbank City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at christopher.cadelago@latimes. com.