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Thursday, 16 November, 2000, 17:10 GMT
Spanish army goes professional
![]() Conscripts celebrate the end of their service
By Flora Botsford in Madrid
The last conscripts ever to serve in the Spanish armed forces have been announced. The Spanish government has released the names of 90,000 teenagers who will have to complete their compulsory military service before 2002. By that date, Spain will have a fully professional army, navy and airforce, in line with the rest of Europe.
France and Italy are also phasing out conscription, while Gemany plans to reduce compulsory service by a month. It is clear that in the high-tech military future, a more efficient fighting force is made up of people who want to be involved. Borja Tesoro Recio is carrying out his military service in the Spanish army. "I've got nothing against it, it's perfect for people who like the military lifestyle," he says, "but I think everyone should be free to do whatever they like, everyone has to forge their own life". The majority of conscripts do not go on to choose a military career, however much they've enjoyed the experience.
Targeting areas of high unemployment, the army offers work, future and a profession. But this may not be enough. The country is enjoying a booming economic expansion, and army salaries are way below those available in civilian life. |
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