Army health requirements loosened to aid recruitment

The Czech Ministry of Defence is having to loosen its demands regarding state of health in order to keep army recruitment levels up, Novinky.cz reported. While seven years ago perfect health was required, the General Staff of the Army has now twice revised downwards its standards in that regard, the news site said.

Under a new Ministry of Defence edict, which comes into effect in September, it will be possible for those with obesity, HIV, diabetes or high blood pressure to be accepted as new recruits. The easing primarily concerns non-combat professions, where the army has a shortage of personnel.