President George W. Bush has proposed to increase the death gratuity and life insurance coverage for families of troops killed in designated combat zones, which could total $500,000 in some cases.

"The increase may be partly in response to public reaction to the war. Since the draft, this is the first protracted conflict. Soldiers are being killed in large enough numbers to be noticed," said political science professor Scott Bennett.

The increase would only apply to those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combat zones after Oct. 7, 2001, which is when the conflict in Afghanistan began.

The one time tax-free death gratuity is presently at $12,420 and would be increased to $100,000 if the proposal moves through legislation.

The current $250,000 in life insurance, available to all military members through the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program, would be increased to $400,000. But the extra $150,000 for troops in combat zones would be paid for by the U.S. government.

"[The increase] is going along with the change in the world's environment. The military is doing quite a bit and [the increase in benefits] may help the family understand the contribution made," said ROTC instructor Cpt. John Barlett.

Cpt. Dan Hill, Marine Corps recruiting station executive officer, said military personnel are not concerned with the specifics of the benefits. "We're here to defend the Constitution. Someone comes up with the best decision for everyone," Hill said. "They do that in every organization."

Pfc. Brydon Parker (freshman-meteorology), said the benefits should not be extended to all military members.

"I think the benefits should only be given to those who were serving their country in the heat of battle," Parker said.

Each year, the benefits are reviewed, said Capt. William Moore II, State College company commander of the U.S. Army.

"Typically [benefits] increase each year. It is not anything out of the ordinary," Moore said. "If the benefits keep increasing, it could be a big part of people's decision to join or stay in the military."

Parker said he wants to be an officer despite any change in benefits.

"I am not being an officer for the benefits. No one is. They are doing it to serve the country they love," Parker said.

Hill said the benefits will give soldiers a sense of security. "It will give [soldiers] a peace of mind to know that if something did happen his family would be taken care of and that is big," Hill said.

Lt. Col. Dan Miltenberger, executive officer of the Penn State Army ROTC battalion, has a son in the 82nd Airborne Division and thinks the benefits are needed. "I will be the guy on the other end should the unthinkable happen. I would like to have enough money, that he has earned in a dignified way, to lay him to rest," Miltenberger said.

Almost everyone agrees that the benefits are a good thing, but it can foster a negative reaction, Bennett said.

"Some see it as being paid more to be killed," Bennett said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.