Army brass surf net for recruits

Army chiefs, facing a 5,350 manpower shortage, are targeting the Internet for the next generation of recruits. Advertisements entitled "Mega Drive Required" are to be placed in Internet magazines and national newspaper supplements inviting web surfers to accept the Army World Challenge.

Five challenges, including defusing a Second World War bomb in a crowded London underground station and untangling an emergency on a parachute jump over Germany, await the surfer.

"The Internet allows us to reach the bright, inquisitive youngster who is seeking a challenge from life," said Major Alasdair Goulden, responsible for the new campaign.