GERMANY - The German government announced a long-term plan for the modernization of its armed forces on Friday. "It isn‘t a sprint in front of us, rather it is a considerable marathon," Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said in a presentation to parliament. Von der Leyen, of the ruling centre-right Christian Democrats, said she wanted to make the Germany Army into the most attractive employer in the country. Her proposals include more part-time work, better promotion opportunities and, for the first time, legally-stipulated working hours for soldiers. "We want the best, we need the best, so we have to deliver the best working conditions," she said. Soldiers’ repesentatives described the draft legislation as a "great step."