DHAKA: For the first time in Myanmar’s history, its defence ministry is inviting women to join the army.

An advertisement in the Myanmar Ahlin newspaper says the new cadets must be single, at least 160cm tall, between 25 and 30 years of age, and weigh no more than 59kg, reports The Straits Times.

Though they won’t be called on to fight, the ad said successful candidates would be offered commissioned posts, starting as second lieutenants.

Myanmar’s army once enjoyed widespread popularity for fighting for independence from British colonial rule, but support plummeted following military coups in 1962 and 1988.

BDST: 1840 HRS, OCT 16, 2013
RoR/GCP