Australian Army Journal

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RELIGION Religious Diversity in the Australian Army: The Next Diversity Frontier? Introduction Over the last decade Army has seen an increasing emphasis on diversity, including strategies for the recruitment and retention of women and indigenous personnel. 1 There is no doubt that these are necessary and important from a variety of perspectives ranging from maximising the possible candidate pool, reflecting the values, demographics and expectations of the wider Australian community, and ensuring that Army is well placed to remain a balanced and focussed organisation. However, despite an emphasis on resolving the gender balance and increasing the number of indigenous personnel in the Australian Regular Army, the lack of religious diversity has gone largely unnoticed. 2 That Army’s religious diversity has attracted little attention is something of an anomaly in the current climate, particularly given that the extent of under-representation is relatively large and comparatively visible. 3 Frequent deployments to, and multilateral exercises with countries with high proportions of Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus have not yet attracted a wider narrative concerning Army’s lack of religious diversity and any limitations this may place on its ability to operate effectively. 4 However, this is unlikely to remain unnoticed for much longer and the need to address aspects of religious diversity is gaining momentum. Nationally, this has been recognised in the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper which, in reference to cultural and religious diversity, states that ‘there are gaps in participation in some of Australia’s institutions and organisations, such as in our parliaments, businesses, labour movement and civil society organisations.’ 5 The 2013 Defence White Paper notes that, within Defence, ‘specific activities are underway for improved recruitment of women and diverse groups … from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.’ 6 In addition, the 2012–17 Defence Corporate Plan describes the strategic target of increasing the ‘representation of women and multicultural Australians to better reflect [the] Australian community.’ 7 In many respects the strategic intent to increase religious diversity might already exist, but this has not yet permeated through other aspects of Army’s policy. This article introduces the case for a more deliberate approach to religious diversity in Army. While strategies for increasing religious diversity are not presented, the article discusses differences between Army and the broader population, the recent history and trends within Army, and describes opportunities that may result from increased religious diversity. Finally, in order to inform a broader dialogue, this article closes with a short discussion on whether Army should proportionately reflect the demographic characteristics of the nation or Australian Army Journal Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 80
RELIGION Religious Diversity in the Australian Army: The Next Diversity Frontier? simply reflect its values. This article argues that, once Army has progressed its gender and indigenous personnel strategies, there may be sound justification for focussing more on religion as the next possible diversity frontier. Why we need religious diversity In 2012 the Australian Human Rights Commission released its Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force (also known as the Broderick Review). 8 While religious diversity is not addressed in the review, many of the reasons offered for increasing the representation of women are equally applicable to increasing the proportional representation of any demographic group. Specifically, the review identified five reasons to support its argument that ‘a change in the treatment of women must be a priority for a strong and sustainable ADF’: 9 • to attract the best talent • to reduce costs • to increase capability • to be a first class and high performing employer • to take a [national] leadership position These reasons also resonate with the need for religious diversity, although there are further capability-related factors including the need to: • gain a deeper and more intimate cultural understanding and appreciation of local populations in likely areas of future operations, including religious sensitivities and practices (beyond that possible through cultural awareness training during force preparation) • maintain, within Army, a religious advisory capacity to enhance international understanding during coalition operations, multinational exercises and other activities where diverse religions are represented in an international task force • enhance the effectiveness of domestic disaster relief programs through consideration and understanding of religious customs, traditions and immediate faith-related needs in affected areas • increase the potential candidate pool for enlistment in the Army from an under-represented demographic segment • increase the attractiveness of Army as an employer and career option Australian Army Journal Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 81
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Australian Army Culture edition 201
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CONTENTS CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD....
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CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD When I assum
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CHIEF OF ARMY FOREWORD her gender,
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EDITORIAL the way in which it deals
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HISTORY Serving Their Country: A Sh
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HISTORY ‘A Homosexual Institution
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Page 29 and 30: HISTORY ‘A Homosexual Institution
Page 41 and 42: GENDER AND SEXUALITY Steyrs and She
Page 59 and 60: GENDER AND SEXUALITY Sexuality, Coh
Page 79: RELIGION Religious Diversity in the
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Page 97 and 98: IDENTITY Military Retirement: Refle
Page 113 and 114: DISCIPLINE Hazing in the ADF: A Cul
Page 129 and 130: OPERATIONAL CULTURE The Myths of Cu
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OPERATIONAL CULTURE The Myths of Cu
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ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Securing Arm
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ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Learning to
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ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Family Frien
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ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE From Institu
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OPINION Army’s Spirit Warrant Off
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OPINION Army’s Spirit Pride As RS
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OPINION Army’s Spirit Mateship ca
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OPINION Army’s Spirit Our people
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OPINION Army’s Spirit I think it
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OPINION Brothers and Sisters in Arm
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OPINION On the Culture of the Austr
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OPINION Fifty Shades of Grey: Offic
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CREATIVE WRITING Lost in Translatio
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CREATIVE WRITING Lost in Translatio
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NOTES FOR CONTRIBUTORS NOTES FOR CO
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Australian Army Journal

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