Speed Reading — Army Recruits - Level 3 — 300 wpm

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.


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Australia will soon allow non-Australians into its army. People from countries such as the UK, Canada and New Zealand can apply to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Australia is having problems getting people to sign up for its army. The government hopes that opening the army up to people from other countries will solve its recruitment problem. The ADF currently has a shortage of around 4,400 workers. From July, New Zealanders who are permanent residents in Australia can apply to join. Next year, those from the UK, US and Canada will have their chance. Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, said it was possible that in the future, people from more countries could join.

Mr Marles said his country was changing its recruitment policy for security reasons. He said: "The Australian Government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation's security challenges through the next decade and beyond." A Defence Ministry spokesperson said: "We're being bold in order to grow the ADF. Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society." Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure. He said: "We should be seeing more Australians with the confidence to sign up."

Comprehension questions
  1. What is Australia having problems getting people to sign up for?
  2. How many workers does the Australian Defence Force (ADF) need?
  3. Which country's people will be the first to be allowed to join the ADF?
  4. When will Americans be able to join the Australian Defence Force?
  5. When might people from more countries be able to join Australia's army?
  6. What did Australia's Defence Minister say his country is changing?
  7. For how long is it essential for Australia to meet security challenges?
  8. What does Australia want to reflect by recruiting different people?
  9. What is Simon Birmingham's job?
  10. Who did Mr Birmingham say should be joining the army with confidence?

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