Shanghai military recruiters are searching for 80 technical specialists to join the People's Liberation Army as non-commissioned officers this year.

The last time Shanghai called for volunteers was in 2005.

Enrollments are being conducted tomorrow and Friday, with a tough screening process to follow.

Men are being sought between 18 and 24 years of age who graduated from local colleges and professional schools. Professional school graduates must also have national senior qualifications.

Preferred candidates are Party members or student leaders as well as those who have already completed compulsory military service or with outstanding technical achievements, said the Shanghai Military Recruitment Office.

The army is looking for specialists in automobile application technology, mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, data control and mobile communications, as well as medical imaging.

Soldiers in the People's Liberation Army are either conscripts or volunteers.

(Shanghai Daily June 14, 2008)