The Australian Defence Force is recruiting an Imam into the army as an attempt to attract individuals from different languages and cultures to fight for their country.
The first ever Imam will serve in the ADF’s religious advisory committee.
“I have asked my department to move as quickly as possible to identify a part-time Islamic Imam to join the ADF’s religious advisory committee to ensure those 96 ADF members of an Islamic faith have appropriate representation,” Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert told Sydney Morning Herald.
The committee already consists of five Christian leaders, one Jewish leader and will now be joined by a part time Imam from the Muslim Community. The role assigned will be policy advisory but will not be providing pastoral care, which the Christian Chaplains already provide in the force.
“It is clear the growth of a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce, that represents the changing face of modern Australia, is moving too slowly,” added Mr. Roberts.
“This strategy … is born out of the stark reality that combat power will be enhanced,”
About 5.7 percent of the ADF consists of non-English speaking background, whereas 5.4 percent were born overseas.
The initiative is similar to the one being taken by the British Army which aims to add recruits from the Muslim community, amid concerns over the low number of representation of minorities in the army.
In an interview with the BBC, British General Sir Nicholas Carter said that they were concerned that Asian, black and ethnic minorities in the UK are not represented appropriately in the army and will conduct recruitment drive this year which will consist of 10 events across the UK in an attempt to recruit from these minority groups.
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