New British Army advert shows Muslim soldier praying on battlefield in front of his comrades
The advert shows the troop removing his helmet, gun and boots as he kneels on the ground while his comrades watch on in silence
A NEW Army advert shows a Muslim soldier praying on the battlefield while his comrades watch on in silence.
The video is part of a £1.6 million advertising campaign to show the Army can be “emotionally and physically” supportive of recruits from all backgrounds.
It shows a Muslim soldier in full combat gear remove his helmet, boots and gun and drop to his knees to pray.
The words “Keeping my Faith” and “This is belonging” flash up on screen as the sound of gunshots can be heard in the background.
An advert released last week was slammed after it featured the slogan “It’s OK to cry”.
The short films, voiced by serving soldiers, ask: “What if I get emotional?”, “Can I be gay in the Army?” and “Do I have to be a superhero?”
One top soldier said the campaign was “neglecting the main group of people who are interested in joining” and will not solve the “recruiting crisis” facing the armed forces.
Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, told BBC Breakfast: “The main group of people who are interested in joining aren’t worrying so much about whether they are going to be listened to or if there’s an emotional issue.
“What they are worried about more is how they are going to face combat and, not only that – they are going to be attracted by images of combat because that’s why people join the armed forces.”
He added: “This also reflects the fact that the Army, like the rest of Government is being forced down a route of political correctness.
“What is most important is that the Army recruits and is full of soldiers. It’s of secondary importance that they reflect the composition of society.”
But retired Army officer Major Tim Cross said the armed forces must makes sure it “reaches out to people”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We must ensure that we reach out to people, we must ensure that everybody knows that they have an opportunity of joining the British armed forces and joining the Army in particular.
“But we are not going to be soft and we are not going to be nice to people.”
Last month the Army scrapped a £520,000 plan to phase out its ‘Be the Best’ motto over concerns it is too “elitist and “non-inclusive”.
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