BEIJING - The Chinese military has started recruiting "civilian personnel" amid efforts to attract more talent, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily reported Wednesday.

The recruitment drive, approved by the Central Military Commission, is the first of its kind since deeper reform was introduced to the national defense and armed forces in late 2015.

Following requirements to reform the civilian personnel system, the military this year aims to recruit a number of personnel with professional knowledge to serve in key positions.

Applicants can apply for the positions online from July 12 to 22, and exams will take place on August 26. The recruitment should be concluded by the end of the year.

The number of positions, applicant requirements and selection process will be made public to ensure fairness.

In the military, "civilian personnel" refers to those who work in management or professional technical posts but are not in active service, according to a revised regulation on civilian personnel made public in November.

They perform the duties of civilian positions in peace time, but work in active service if necessary, the regulation said.