PLA recruitment opens door to all

The Chinese People's Liberation Army held a national recruitment exam for non-military personnel which opened door to the whole society on Sunday, the first such exam after China launched a comprehensive military reform.

More than 140,000 candidates sat for the written exam held in 31 provincial regions. The average enrollment ratio for the 9,297 positions is 1:15, with the most sought-after position drawing 754 applicants.

The exam is open to all applicants who meet education and technical requirements.

In general, candidates boast high technical capabilities and educational backgrounds.

Overall, 85 percent of candidates hold bachelors' or higher degrees, 35 percent are experienced civilian workers and 57 percent have professional technical qualifications.

The written exam comprises two parts, general subjects and professional subjects.

Examinees who stand out in the written test will be interviewed by recruiting units separately and go through a physical checkup and political review before being hired.

Non-military personnel in the PLA refer to non-commissioned officers who serve in the army's technical or managerial positions not related to combat functions.

According to the PLA Daily, flagship newspaper of the PLA, the open exam is aimed at recruiting more high-caliber civilian talents to serve in the army.

It said currently a majority of non-combat duties are carried out by active servicemen, hindering the enhancement of the army's combat capabilities.