Originally Posted by
beardy
If particular minority groups are under represented because they have a reluctance to break out of their cultural 'silo' is it not reasonable to target them to reinforce the idea that they are welcome to participate (provided they have the requisite skills)?
Does it not become a problem when the military (or police) become viewed as unrepresentative of the society they are there to defend? Or is targeted recruitment divisive?
The RAF is very actively involved in recruitment drives in BAME communities across the UK. Ensuring that BAME communities are aware of the opportunities open to them, the career it can provide and that they are welcome is only right and proper.
Aiming to have a workforce which represents the make up and diversity of the population is laudable and the correct thing to do. However, despite the hard work of the recruiters and the significant money being spent doing this, the numbers of BAME applicants is extremely low.
The RAF has made every effort to open itself to all backgrounds but applicants selected for a role should be on merit alone and not to fill a quota.
Is it a problem if the military are underrepresented, to some yes but this is an educational and cultural issue and certainly not an issue of RAF opening itself to all.
Targeted recruitment is not necessarily decisive but targeted selection most definitely would be.