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Number of Muslims in army only 0.54% compared with 4.4% in UK population, with low representation linked to UK role in conflicts involving Muslims
The British army is exploring ways to recruit more Muslims as the latest figures reveal they make up less than 1% of the total. Resistance is partly down to the UK’s involvement in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The army is also concerned that black, Asian and other ethnic minorities are not sufficiently represented and a recruitment drive is planned for this year, with 10 events each month across the UK aimed at these groups.
There are 480 Muslims in the army out of an overall strength of 88,500 – 0.54%, an increase from 300 in 2008. Muslims comprise about 4.4% of the UK population according to the 2011 census.
The army has been trying to engage with communities in places such as Bradford and Burnley, where Muslims account for about 25% and 10% of the population respectively.
About 9,110 members of the army are drawn from the black, Asian and minority ethnic population. Although this amounts to about 10%, many have joined from Commonwealth countries rather than from the UK.
General Sir Nicholas Carter, chief of the general staff, said: “Our recruitment from the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities has been improving over the years, but it is nowhere near where it needs to be. We have to do more.”
One of the most senior Muslims in the army, Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic adviser to the chief of staff, said diversity was one of the UK’s strengths and this enhanced the military’s cultural understanding and helped them when deployed. “In my view, the values of the armed forces are fully compatible with the values of Islam as well as other faiths,” he said.
British army aims to recruit more Muslims after worries over low numbers | UK news | The Guardian
The British army is exploring ways to recruit more Muslims as the latest figures reveal they make up less than 1% of the total. Resistance is partly down to the UK’s involvement in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The army is also concerned that black, Asian and other ethnic minorities are not sufficiently represented and a recruitment drive is planned for this year, with 10 events each month across the UK aimed at these groups.
There are 480 Muslims in the army out of an overall strength of 88,500 – 0.54%, an increase from 300 in 2008. Muslims comprise about 4.4% of the UK population according to the 2011 census.
The army has been trying to engage with communities in places such as Bradford and Burnley, where Muslims account for about 25% and 10% of the population respectively.
About 9,110 members of the army are drawn from the black, Asian and minority ethnic population. Although this amounts to about 10%, many have joined from Commonwealth countries rather than from the UK.
General Sir Nicholas Carter, chief of the general staff, said: “Our recruitment from the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities has been improving over the years, but it is nowhere near where it needs to be. We have to do more.”
One of the most senior Muslims in the army, Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic adviser to the chief of staff, said diversity was one of the UK’s strengths and this enhanced the military’s cultural understanding and helped them when deployed. “In my view, the values of the armed forces are fully compatible with the values of Islam as well as other faiths,” he said.
British army aims to recruit more Muslims after worries over low numbers | UK news | The Guardian
