China's army to recruit and train ... 10,000 pigeons???

They're more flying rats than desert rats but it has emerged China's army is training 10,000 messenger pigeons to serve in the event of a breakdown in mass communication systems.

China Central Television (CCTV) announced that the mass feathered recruitment drive was being undertaken by the People's Liberation Army.

Training for the flock is believed to be under way in a central Chinese city. The bird army could be called to arms in the event of a mass breakdown in communication systems, helping to deliver vital messages. More...

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