Cologne, Germany ¨C Wearing a gas mask, a young man performs a rapid series of push-ups, jumps and squats at the German military¡¯s recruiting booth at FIBO, the world¡¯s largest fitness expo, held in Cologne.
Germany hopes to grow its armed forces, winning tens of thousands of new volunteers ¡ª a tough task in a country where many young people view military service with skepticism.
To find new recruits, the Bundeswehr must rely on the power of persuasion, and sees the FIBO fair ¡ª a celebration of bulging muscles and displays of sweaty stamina ¡ª as a natural venue to win the soldiers of tomorrow.
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