The Ministry of National Defense in conjunction with DynCorp International/Security Sector Reform(SSR) would launch a week-long major up country recruitment drive in the Central and Southeastern parts of Liberia.

According to a Defense Ministry release the exercise is in line with the ministry's effort to build a more vibrant and regionally representative military for Liberia.

The purpose of this up country recruitment drive is to encourage and avail equal opportunity to eligible young men and women who are desirous of becoming part of the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

The recruitment team would be at the City Hall in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County from 8-10 May, 2008. Young men and women from surrounding counties including River Gee, Sinoe, Grand Kru, Maryland and elsewhere are encouraged to converge at the Zwedru's recruitment center.

Similarly, from 12-24 May, 2008, the recruitment team would be at the Administrative Building in Gbarnga City, Bong County to recruit potential applicants from Lofa, Nimba, Margibi Counties and elsewhere.

Those interested in joining the new AFL must meet the following criteria. The criteria include being a citizen of Liberia; minimum high school graduate or its equivalent, medically and physically fit and between the ages of 18-35 years.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense is calling on authorities of the host counties, Grand Gedeh and Bong to support this up country recruitment exercises.