BILL ON PROFESSIONAL ARMY APPROVED BY LOWER HOUSE
International peacekeeping tasks for new army
While the army opens to women soldiers, the Lower House approves a bill abolishing compulsory universal military service.
The bill passed by 396 votes in fav our and only 12 votes against, all cast by Rifondazione Comunista.
Defense Minister, Sergio Mattarella, stated that the professional army would have to carry out essentially international peacekeeping missions, more in line with the present world situation and requiring better-trained soldiers.
The bill will become law once the Senate approves it.
Meanwhile, the Minister decided to give another chance to the 470 women who failed a physical endurance test to enter the Modena military academy on the grounds that they had not been informed in time of the type of exercises they had to carry out.
In fact, only 70 young women passed the test out of over 12,400.
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