The defense ministry says it will continue the practice of accepting extra recruits in order to secure a steady supply of manpower for the nation’s military.
The defense ministry has accepted extra recruits in previous years in an effort to ensure that the military is adequately staffed. The practice of filling the ranks beyond recruitment goals is also designed to help ease the military’s transition to an all-volunteer force.
The military has come close to reaching its recruitment target of 14,000 for this year. As of Thursday, more than 12,000 volunteers have been accepted. Next year’s target has already been set at 16,360.
The defense ministry says it will continue working to improve conditions in the military in order to attract and retain young soldiers.