With the high aspiration to become a hermit at a very young age, the life of St. Martin of Tours took an unanticipated turn when he was required to complete military service for the emperor. Although he was unable to follow his religious ambitions, Martin quickly became known for his great virtue amongst his fellow soldiers. His desire to serve Christ was often expressed in unison with his identity as a military man saying that first and foremost he was a soldier for Christ.