The army’s recent re-branding exercise has among other things looked to attract more from ethnic minorities.

Videos trailed on YouTube have focused on a range of issues such as "Army belonging" and inclusivity and ask questions such as "Can I practise my faith in the Army?", "Will I be listened to in the Army?" and "Do I have to be a superhero to join the Army?".

The re-branding may well be overdue but the army still has a major issue with recruiting from a Muslim faith.

Some years ago I did bring this issue up on these very pages and things have not changed much.

The fact is Muslims don’t want to join the army because they don’t want to be involved in campaigns that may lead to them killing other Muslims. Sadly even if those Muslims are looking to cause undue carnage in the name of their religion.

It is not the soldiers decision as to where he or she serves and here lies the conundrum.

We are faced with a range of Middle Eastern campaigns and as a solider your duty is to protect and to serve. You can’t pick and choose which wars you want to participate in.

Imagine Iraq happening again. How many Muslims, or anyone for that matter would safely say they would like their son or daughter taking part in a war like that?

The army in the past threw bucket loads of money at ethnic minority publications and events in the hope it would attract more recruits from those sections of the community.

Millions was spent and I have to say much of it was wasted because this wasn’t backed by sincere involvement with local communities.

Local communities were hesitant partnering with the Army and for that we are all to blame. Moreover, people did not see the full benefits of a wider career in the Armed forces.

Whilst there may have been successes at attracting those from a Sikh and Hindu background the numbers joining up from Muslim backgrounds is pitiful and will remain so for another generation.

The undeniable fact is - it is the Muslims that the army really needs as these are the populations from low-income backgrounds and areas of high unemployment.

There needs to a concerted effort to engage at local levels and tell those involved with young people what the Army has to offer.

Fifteen years ago this did happen.

In recent years the Army has looked to focus on those minorities where it will not get questioned as to the background of the wars the government is involved in. It is the easy way out to meet initial targets I say.

Unfortunately, no amount money is about to change that soon.