One Los Angeles Korean immigrant, James Hwang, has even created a Korean-language website with up-to-date information about the application process and experiences of ethnic Korean soldiers.
Army officials also have assembled a community advisory board with a striking number of Asian American leaders.
They include representatives from the Chinese and Korean chambers of commerce, Japanese American Bar Assn., Korean churches and Filipino news publications.
Two of the six executive board members are Asian American: Lance Izumi, board member of the California Community Colleges System, and Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance).
The connections have helped the Army wrangle invitations to Asian American events, including banquets, festivals and parades.
Janet Chin, a Chinese American Army veteran and Garvey School District board member, said she had sought to create a more "inviting climate" for Army recruiters in the district by clearing the way for them to make presentations about their educational benefits.
"Some school systems have viewed us as the enemy who takes young people out of school," Jongwatana said. "But it's just the opposite: We put kids in school and pay for it."
Chester Chong, an advisory board member and Chinese Chamber of Commerce executive, said his community's growing interest in the U.S. military reflected a coming of age of young people as they loosen themselves from the strict parental control common in traditional Chinese families.
"Traditional Chinese don't like to join the Army or police force, but the new generation is more free-thinking," Chong said. "It's a huge change."
Ly, the Alhambra student, agreed.
His parents are furious about his decision, he said, because they expected their only son to carry on the family name and perform other acts of traditional filial piety.
"They said, 'Don't do it. You're stupid. You're going to die,' " he said.
But this, Ly said, is America. He has enlisted as a signal support systems specialist and will work with computers, satellites and other communications equipment. He plans to make the Army a lifelong career.
"Finally being of age, I can do what I want to do," Ly said, "and I think the Army is right for me."
teresa.watanabe
@latimes.com
