On August 1, 2015, the PLA began a two-month drive to recruit young people, especially those with education. China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said it is looking mostly for people educated to high school level or above. The MND also said it is seeking recruits from ethnic minorities who have bilingual skills or other specialties. High School graduates aged 17 years and above are eligible as are people aged 18 to 22. The maximum recruitment age for college graduates has been extended to 24 years.