THE MILITARY OFFERS “ A CREDIBLE OPTION” FOR THE UNEMPLOYED

PALMA
THE Spanish armed forces yesterday held its annual Pascua Militar Christmas and New Year celebrations with the Brigadier General of the Balearic armed forces, Juan Carlos Domingo Guerra, proclaiming that the armed services provide “a credible alternative” to rising unemployment.

Addressing guests at Almudaina Palace, Domingo admitted that the financial problems gripping Spain will also be felt by the armed forces but he said that he hopes any reductions in defense spending will not restrict Spain's military programme and its important peacekeeping operations overseas. Last year, the Balearics witnessed a slight down turn in the number of ground troops enlisting but, Domingo expressed his confidence that Balearic regiments will have a full complement of personnel this year and that, in view of the serious problems gripping the employment market, the armed services should be considered a serious and sensible alternative.