The ROC training colleges report that 1,600 students have signed up for courses preparing them for a military career, 400 fewer than last year, according to Tuesday’s AD.

College staff tell the paper that the army is out of favour because of the risk of being sent to Uruzgan. In addition, the booming economy means students have a much wider choice of jobs.
‘You choose a military career at a time when it is important to have a guaranteed job,’ ROC education coordinator Jan Bijvank told the paper.
The army itself admits it is difficult to sign up enough recruits. In 2006, the army only attracted 5,000 of the 7,000 recruits needed. This summer generals have warned the shortage of staff will hit missions.
In particular there is a shortage of engineers and transport helicopter staff, the paper says.