La Paz, Dec 13 (IANS/EFE) Bolivia's military and police have started counting of overweight members in various ranks after President Evo Morales complained that too many soldiers and cops are out of shape.
Military sources cited Friday by La Razon newspaper said the census will be compiled using data from promotion exams to help overweight officers and soldiers get fit.
Defence Minister Ruben Saavedra said earlier this week that overweight members of the armed forces will not be allowed to don military uniforms until they get in good shape.
"They must be prepared both on the intellectual and the physical level," he said.
Bolivia's national police announced similar steps.
On Dec 2, Morales suggested that soldiers and officers who neglect their physical fitness should not be promoted, insisting that staying in good shape is a "responsibility" for members of the security forces.
--IANS/EFE
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