Army tactics could be used on unemployed

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has refused to confirm reports the federal government is considering introducing army-style training for the young and unemployed.

Under the proposal, News Limited reports jobless youth would be offered training positions with Department of Defence for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months in return for additional welfare benefits.

The scheme would also help contain rising unemployment figures and could increase full-time military recruitment.

But Mr Fitzgibbon would not be drawn on whether the initiative would feature in Labor's May 12 budget.

"It will be a budget focused on jobs and nation building in a sustainable way," he told the Nine Network on Sunday.

"Of course, the Australian Defence Force already makes a substantial contribution towards ensuring that young Australians have every opportunity to secure a job."

Mr Fitzgibbon said protecting young Australians from unemployment was a shared departmental responsibility.

"I think there are a range of government departments and agencies that could do more to ensure that we cushion Australia from the impact of the global recession," he said.

livenews.comn.au 3 May 2009

Generally a precursor to war,
and what better use of canon fodder than the useless unemployed people.