UK Defence Services Offer Opportunities For Young Sikhs
We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK defence. (Defence Secretary John Healey)
Today, the cyber age warfare is led by data, drones, software and artificial intelligence. With the Russian-Ukraine war threat looming large, UK is increasing its defence budget by billions of pounds. There are recent reports of the possibility that UK is already under some sort of serious threat from Russia.
As a distinct community and loyal citizens, next Sikh generations have a role to play in the defence of our country, the United Kingdom. Defence services offer career opportunities for young Sikhs with ambition.
Let us be clear. Modern defence is not just about men and women in uniform carrying guns. Defence services include a very wide range of technologies, both military and civilian. I can confirm from own 5-year experience as a policy Principal in the Aerospace Division that Civil and defence technologies overlap in most areas. To quote a source: These services include providing equipment, support, and personnel to the armed forces, managing defense contracts, developing military technology, and ensuring the security of the country.
Information Technology (IT) skills are important for intelligence gathering. Secret intelligence service is one of the most important aspects of national defence. I recall attending a press briefing chaired by Baroness Amos []]see below] many years ago. Employment opportunities for young people from minority communities were discussed. She confirmed in response to my question that young Sikhs were employed and most welcome in the intelligence service.
To quote a source: In 2024, defense spending is expected to total £56.9 billion, increasing to £59.8 billion in 2025/26, reflecting an annual average real-terms growth rate of 2.4%. By 2027, the UK aims to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, as outlined by Keir Starmer. This increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance the UK's global leadership role and support long-term economic growth.
So these new measures will increase defence employment by over 430,000 jobs in high technology services and industries. These measure are a response to evolving security challenges and commitments to NATO.
To quote Defence Secretary John Healey: we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK defence". PM Keir Starmer confirmed that UK military is moving to war-fighting readiness and that the threat from Russia cannot be ignored.
Due to technology overlap, modern warfare will remove the traditional divisions between Royal Navy, the British Army and Royal Air Force even though they would still have roles, and their identity.
British Sikh profile in the defence of the United Kingdom needs to be raised at this critical time. More young Sikhs should consider careers in defence services.
[]]Note about Baroness Amos success story: She is the first woman of African descent to serve as a Cabinet minister and as Leader of the House of Lords. She rose to become the eighth UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. She is an outstanding example of a success story for young Sikhs with ambition.]
Gurmukh Singh OBE
Principal Civil Servant retd (UK)
E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk
Sikh ideology articles: https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/