The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has recently announced an expansion of its winter recruitment standards to more college graduates. China’s Defense Ministry announced that college students will be given preferential treatment after graduation. Educational loans are one measure to encourage young males to join the military. In 2011, the Defense Ministry offered prospective recruits 6,000 yuan ($944) annually to subsidize their educational costs and guaranteed a university place for returning members from the forces. Professional development will also be provided during military service to increase job prosperity after leaving the forces.
Since 2001, the People’s Liberation Army has began recruiting from universities to increase the caliber of the military. China’s top legislature has also amended the military service law in 2011 to raise the maximum age of recruits to 24. A series of reforms were also put in place to accept young recruits who are heavier and have more visible tattoos. Prohibitions on ear piercings were also eliminated.
The Associated Press reported that the series of selection reforms reflect how China’s educated youth have more employment options after college graduation. The PLA could previously afford to be selective on its recruits, while rural labor was very prevalent. However, as the army modernizes with the increasing demands of the modern world, it is endeavoring to reform its selection process in order to attract the country’s top graduates. The PLA continues to maintain a privileged status in Chinese society. A military background can lead to many career options in the future after leaving the forces–whether it is in local government, security, or even the private sector.
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