AUSSIE ARMY`S HEADSTART TO RECRUIT INDIANS, MUSLIMS

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Australian Army aims to have a headstart
in luring Indian and Arab recruits.

It is offering special helmets to accommodate turbans, and uniforms
incorporating burkas, as army chiefs hope to attract bigger numbers of
multi-cultural recruits, the Herald Sun newspaper reports.

Among the changes being considered are specially-designed helmets that fit
turbans worn by Sikhs.

Army Commodore Tim Barrett, director of recruiting, told the newspaper the
army wanted to change community perceptions that it was intolerant of some
nationalities.

Next month, an advertising campaign would begin, with defence members from
non-English speaking backgrounds encouraging others to join, he said.

"We are looking, particularly at Indian and Arabic communities, and
preparing a multi-cultural recruitment strategy, part of which is an advertising
campaign.

"...but more importantly, we want to make sure that when they do join, we
can accommodate their particular cultural and religious needs," said Barrett.

Burkas and head scarfs for female recruits were also being considered, but
there were some safety concerns regarding vision and movement, he added.

Prayer rooms will also be built on navy ships and at army barracks.

"Where people wish to practise their religious beliefs and it does not
affect operations or safety, we should be making those opportunities available,"
the newspaper quoted Barrett as saying.

Dr Mark Thompson, of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said this
was an important mission for the army as it wanted their ranks to reflect
society.
-- BERNAMA