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Army wants more Muslim recruits | Army wants more Muslim recruits |
(2 days later) | |
The Army is hosting its first recruitment drive solely for young British Muslims. | The Army is hosting its first recruitment drive solely for young British Muslims. |
About 40 teenagers from Birmingham will be taught infantry skills and endure an army obstacle course. | About 40 teenagers from Birmingham will be taught infantry skills and endure an army obstacle course. |
The forces are suffering a shortage of recruits and have been unable to attract many from the Muslim community. | The forces are suffering a shortage of recruits and have been unable to attract many from the Muslim community. |
Those taking part in the event come from the same part of Birmingham as Jabron Hashmi, the only Muslim British soldier killed in Afghanistan. | Those taking part in the event come from the same part of Birmingham as Jabron Hashmi, the only Muslim British soldier killed in Afghanistan. |
One of the teenagers visiting Gamecock Barracks in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is Mansoor Clark, who said being involved in the initiative was about having fun. | One of the teenagers visiting Gamecock Barracks in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, is Mansoor Clark, who said being involved in the initiative was about having fun. |
It's a good opportunity to develop skills that you already have Mansoor Clark, participant | It's a good opportunity to develop skills that you already have Mansoor Clark, participant |
He said the armed forces offered a good career and he would have no problems being sent to places like Iraq or Afghanistan if he joined up. | He said the armed forces offered a good career and he would have no problems being sent to places like Iraq or Afghanistan if he joined up. |
"The general idea is just to have some fun. | "The general idea is just to have some fun. |
"And I think the armed forces - if it's not even seen as a possible career path - it's a good opportunity to develop skills that you already have." | "And I think the armed forces - if it's not even seen as a possible career path - it's a good opportunity to develop skills that you already have." |
A report on Friday from the National Audit Office said the UK armed forces were 5,170 troops under strength. | A report on Friday from the National Audit Office said the UK armed forces were 5,170 troops under strength. |
The strain of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan at the same time was one reason for shortages, the report said. | The strain of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan at the same time was one reason for shortages, the report said. |