Military officials in Kazakhstan have introduced a Miss Army competition in the hope of encouraging more recruits.

The Kazakhstani Ministry of Defence has chosen 123 of its prettiest female soldiers and posted their photos online where viewers can vote for their favourites.

The pictures show the women in three set poses – in military uniform, with weapons and in civilian clothing – and they have already been viewed more than 30,000 times.

Frontline femme fatale: Abildaeva Aigul Isahanovna is among 123 of Kazakhstan's 'prettiest soldiers' who have been put forward by the military for its Miss Army competition in the hope of encouraging more recruits

In the (fashion) line of fire: The Kazakhstani Ministry of Defence has posted their photos online – including this one of Uzbehanova Marjane Abilovna – so viewers can vote for their favourites

Deskbound diva: The pictures show the women in three set poses – in military uniform, with weapons and in civilian clothing – and they have already been viewed more than 30,000 times by voters

Prone to male advances: A military spokesman said the competition was also open to voters not only from Kazakhstan but also neighbouring countries Krygystan, Azerbaijan and Russia

A spokesman for the MoD said: 'Voting began this week and the competition is open until the 10th of May.

'We've been flooded with views and the clear favourite at the moment is Sergeant Aigerim Karakuchukova who is in the lead with over 1,100 votes.

'There is still a long way to go though and anyone could win.'

The spokesman revealed that the competition was also open to voters not only from Kazakhstan but also neighbouring countries Krygystan, Azerbaijan and Russia.

Don't miss out: Voting began this week and the Miss Army competition will be open until May 10

Favourite: Sergeant Aigerim Karakuchukova is the front-runner so far with more than 1,100 votes

Military models: Soldiers Meyramova Sulushash Adilhanova (left) and Dzhanabaeva Zarina Sabitzhanovna (right) also feature in the competition. Voter Nicephorus Bocharov said there were 'certainly some fine looking women in there' but he wasn't convinced it would make him sign up and fight

Aiguilles Vitaly is seen here in her competition photograph. A military spokesman said the winner will receive a cash prize and the knowledge of knowing she is the most beautiful woman soldier in Kazakhstan

Faces of the frontline: One voter, Emil Efremov, 32, believes the competition would also do much to improve the image of Kazakhstan after it was lampooned by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy persona Borat

Voter Nicephorus Bocharov, 34, said: 'There are certainly some fine looking women in there, although I'm not sure it would make me want to sign up and fight.'

Another fan, Emil Efremov, 32, believes the competition would also do much to improve the image of Kazakhstan after it was lampooned by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy persona Borat.

He said: 'I think this is a very good idea.

'After the world was introduced to Borat, people have the impression that everyone here lives on a farm and sleeps with donkeys.

PR offensive: Military chiefs hope the competition will attract hundreds of young men to join up

Emil Efremov, 32, said of the competition: 'I think this is a very good idea. After the world was introduced to Borat, people have the impression that everyone here lives on a farm and sleeps with donkeys'

Soldiers Amanzholova Madina Amanzholovna (left) and Lunara Baimukhametova (right)

'These photos show that Kazakh women are as beautiful as any others. I have voted for all of them.'

The MoD spokesman said: 'The winner will receive a cash prize and have the knowledge of knowing she is the most beautiful woman soldier in Kazakhstan.

'And hopefully, she'll have the pleasure of knowing she attracted hundreds of young men to join up.'

Emil Efremov said: 'These photos show Kazakh women are as beautiful as any others. I voted for them all'