File photo taken on Feb. 10, 2012 shows a national defense student, accompanied by a soldier, stands guard on an island in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) which falls on Aug. 1. As an increasing number of young people show interest and desire on military life, more opportunities have been provided for them to achieve physically strong and learn knowledge in the army. In 2012, about 30,000 students will be expected to be enrolled in military academies or recruited as national defense students in colleges. (Xinhua/Liu Jishun)