Women Enlist In Colombia’s Army; First Time In 25 Years

COLOMBIA – Colombia is allowing females to voluntary join the military for the first time in 25 years, in what the army says is part of an effort to “Strengthen the role of women” in its ranks.

Recruits must live on military bases for several months and earn a monthly stipend of only about $75.

Colombia has long had compulsory military service for men ages 18 to 24.

The army relies heavily on those young recruits to staff bases, protect infrastructure and carry out administrative tasks, while its professional soldiers confront drug trafficking gangs and rebel groups.