text: could be made that each item was of the same kind and quality in all participating countries. This set of items is reproduced in appendix II, together with salaries and prices submitted by the contacts. In some cases, the fiqures have been adjusted for the purpose of ensuring a better comparability between the data from different countries. 68. In treatinq the submitted data and assessing their comparability, the Group proceeded on the basis of the following qeneral rules and simplifying assumptions: (a) Competence and training of all employed personnel within a particular rank or profession would be regarded as being equivalent in all participating countries; (b) Salary data to be used for comparisons would be the variant that includes social security costs; (c) Prices should include indirect taxes. 69. Concerning the comparison of conscripted privates with enlisted privates, the Group decided to adopt the following approach: conscripted privates were divided into two categories, one consisting of those who have served for a relatively long period and the other of newly enrolled conscripts. On this basis, the Group considered conscripts of the first category to be roughly comparable to enlisted privates as they could be expected to be able to fulfil the same types of combat functions as is required from enlisted privates. / . . . A/4 o/4 2 1 Enqlish Paqe 23 70. Whether they could do this eaually well may, of course, be a matter of discussion in which the following several aspects might be considered. (a) Conscripts probably receive less training overall than enlisted privates, owinq to a generally shorter length of service; (b) Since, in the case of conscripts, a larger proportion of the total number of privates at any given time is less than fully trained, their military worth is less; 
analysis: The text appears to be discussing a study on the salaries and prices of military personnel across different countries, with a focus on comparing the salaries and prices of conscripted and enlisted privates. The text mentions social security costs, indirect taxes, and training periods, suggesting that the study is concerned with the economic aspects of military personnel.