Jenna Bush, 24, Joins the Marines

WASHINGTON — Jenna Welch Bush, daughter of President George Bush, will join the Marines. Jenna has suspended plans to teach in Latin America, and will soon report report for duty in the Marine Corps, friends of the family say.

Jenna will spend three months in boot camp in California this fall and another month in specialized training.

Depending on her unit, the Bush twin could wind up in Iraq or Afghanistan, where Marines have experienced heavy fighting and casualties.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow had no comment Friday.

Family members are reported to be distressed by Jenna's decision. However, a close family friend says that Jenna is determined to enter the armed forces, and that contrary to her public fun-loving image, Jenna believes that young people "generally don't appreciate what they have-- including our freedom and other benefits of living in our country."

The Bush family has a proud military tradition with father and grand-father both serving in the armed forces.

About 1% of members of Congress have children serving in the military.