Manchester Muslims - The British Army Needs You
Head of the army on a recruitment drive for Manchester Muslims
The head of the British Army, General Sir Nick Carter, has told young Muslims in Manchester that it needs their skills as it faces the challenges of the 21st Century.
He was speaking at the British Muslim Heritage Centre, in whalley Range, where he met representatives of the faith from communities across the North West.
The visit is part of a wider programme to increase understanding of the Army’s role and values, particularly among the nation’s ethnic minority communities.
General Carter, the Army’s Chief of the General Staff (CGS), explained that the Army must draw talent from every community in Britain if it is to succeed and remain relevant.
He also had praise for the skills being nurtured in the region, adding: “Manchester is notable for its scientific and engineering output – skills that we are seeking in the Army – and being the city where scientists first split the atom and developed the stored-program computer, where better to look for talent?”
General Carter spoke about the career opportunities the Army can offer young people; from medicine to legal, from engineering to scientific support.
He also visited the heritage centre’s ‘Stories of Sacrifice’ exhibition, which documents the history of Muslim soldiers who fought alongside British personnel in World War 1.
Adnan Saif, CEO of the British Muslim Heritage Centre, said: “The Heritage Centre welcomes the visit of General Sir Nick Carter to the Centre. The Centre's mission is to build trust and understanding between the Muslim community and the rest of society.
“This visit by General Carter supports our mission and comes as part of an existing and hopefully long term process of engagement between the Army and the British Muslim Heritage Centre and the whole Muslim community."
PL