Muslims in the Military

July 2, 2008

Author: Gordon Corera

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7484334.stm

A country house in Hampshire was the rarefied setting for the second conference hosting Muslims serving in Britain's armed forces.

Those who gathered at Amport House - the home to military chaplains from all faiths - came for a mix of practical advice and spiritual support, talking of how the military had done much to accommodate them but arguing that there was more to be done, including in the field of recruitment.

Close to 400 Muslims serve in the military - about 300 in the Army, 50 in the RAF and 40 in the Navy. Many come from the Commonwealth as well as from Britain's established Muslim communities - Gambia and Ghana were well represented.