Sydney, Australia (AHN) -- Australia's military may allow overweight applicants and mild asthmatics to enlist as it tries to increase the number of troops.

Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy, head of the Australian army, says he was confident recruitment targets would be achieved, even if they have to lower recruitment standards.

Prime Minister John Howard introduced a $7.6 billion plan to add 2,600 troops to the nation's army to combat regional instability.

Leahy tells Australian Broadcasting Corp., "Sure some people might be a bit overweight, but we're good at getting people fit and taking the weight off them."

He adds, "Clearly, we won't be able to take people who suffer very badly from asthma, but for those who might have had it as a child or might be just suffering on the edges, again concessions can be made and we can make sure that they're fit and healthy."

Australia has troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands. Out of 51,000 full-time personnel, more than 4,200 are on duty overseas.

A report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says troop numbers have been declining.

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