The Ministry of Defense is urging youths 16 to 21 years to sign on for the Voluntary Military Service (SMV). General Justo Mart\u00ednez Fern\u00e1ndez Tejada, director of the service, says the program has given good results. Less than 1% of its graduates are known to have been involved in crime. He said 23% of participants go on to choose a career in the Armed Forces or National Police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program began in 2001 under the presidency of President Hip\u00f3lito Mej\u00eda when Major General Jos\u00e9 Miguel Soto Jim\u00e9nez was secretary of the Armed Forces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today those who register receive military training on Saturday mornings for 60 hours that count toward the 60 hours of social work required to graduate from high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next course starts on 14 September and there are still openings, says Fern\u00e1ndez Tejada. The program is available in 27 provinces. It has graduated around 5,000 youths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n