Fed: Army could recruit drug users and the overweight: Nelson

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2006
Fed: Army could recruit drug users and the overweight: Nelson

Former drug users .. people with tattoos and the overweight .. could soon be welcome
in the Australian Defence Force.

Defence Minister BRENDAN NELSON says middle-aged Australians could also be in recruiters' sights.

Announcing a major boost to army numbers .. Dr NELSON'S foreshadowed a shake-up of
recruiting methods and standards.

At present .. anyone admitting to past drug use is automatically scrubbed from the
recruitment selection process .. as are people with weight problems and common health
issues .. like asthma.

But Dr NELSON says that's being reviewed .. and the ADF has to change its practices
and outlook .. if it's to meet new recruitment targets.

AAP RTV nb/mfh/cjh/de/wf/bart

KEYWORD: ARMY NELSON (CANBERRA)

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