By IRNA,
Berlin : The German army is planning to recruit foreigners, the Munich-based weekly news magazine Focus reported Saturday.
According to a 73-page document published by the German defense ministry,
there are plans to entice foreigners to join the army as part of new restructuring efforts in that country’s military apparatus.
Berlin hoped that an attractive military service would draw not only Germans but also foreigners to join the military on a voluntary basis, after the military draft was abolished in that country.
German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has unveiled plans to restructure German armed forces in what is seen as one of the most radical military shake-ups since the end of the Cold War.
The measures include ending conscription, downsizing the German army to 163,000 from 250,000 and streamlining the command structures.
The move is geared at turning the military into a highly professional and flexible corps.
According to Guttenberg, his proposals will make the German military smaller, but more functional in oversea missions.
Thousands of German troops are currently deployed for military operations around the world, mostly in Afghanistan and the Balkan region.