AFGAN MISSION NOT DETERRING RECRUITMENT

The dangers of Canada's mission in Afghanistan have not discouraged people from signing up for the Canadian Forces, the military says.
A spokeswoman for the Canadian Forces told CBC News it looks like the military will meet its recruitment target of adding more than 12,000 people by next spring.
General Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff, has made recruiting a top priority. Recruiters are trying to shed the stodgy image of the Canadian Forces as they try to sign up more people, especially visible minorities and women.
Recent polls suggest public support for the mission has been waning. But despite media stories about Canadian casualties - in August alone, seven soldiers were killed - the military says recruitment has been boosted by all the news coverage of the Afghanistan mission.
Ben Marr, 24, said those stories haven't deterred him from signing up.
"Probably the biggest fear I'd have is being maimed. I mean, nobody likes to come back with no legs or missing arm. But I think it's worth it. Fighting for something that's worthwhile is worth it to me," he said in an interview at a Toronto recruitment centre.
David Marskell, a 22-year-old university student from Toronto, said he's been mulling a career in the military for a few years. Now he is serious about joining.
'I thought I could help out'
"No offence to the military, but in the late '90s, the budget and that was sort of in a sad state.
"And the fact that the government is upping the budget a little bit and they're getting some new equipment is appealing to me."
Born in Afghanistan, Tahmasib Homam, who came to Canada five years ago, said he wants to go back home wearing a uniform and a Maple Leaf.
"Right now, I see that the Canadian army is doing a lot over there and it's something very important and people need that. So I thought I could help out."
Major John St. Dennis, who is in charge of recruitment in the Toronto area, said the Canadian Forces are able to offer a career unlike any other.
"It's a little out of the ordinary, it's not part of their normal run of the day routine and they're looking for the challenge that we offer - the physical challenge, the mental challenge and the opportunities."

29/08/2006 11:46:24 AM MSN TODAY