The death of national service recruit Ali Khalil Abdullah Al Hosni is sad news not only for his family, but for the country as a whole. The young man, like fellow recruit Mohammed Khalid Al Risi who died last year, perished while serving his country. We are deeply saddened by his sudden death and wish his family the strength and patience to get through this terrible ordeal.
Mercifully, incidents like this are unusual and should not blind us to the many advantages of national service. Since its introduction last year, the programme has been an incredible success. The cadets who started their training on Saturday were among the fourth intake.
Military training has helped instil in our young people – mostly men but also those women who choose to participate – a sense of purpose and an enhanced awareness of their national identity. It has taught them discipline, punctuality and responsibility for their actions. Some graduates of the programme have said that they have begun to rethink their daily habits and pay more attention to their health and fitness. There have been many reports from family members and friends who have noticed a raft of positive changes in their loved ones who have undertaken training.
A new stage in the programme has just begun. After a decision by the National and Reserve Service Authority, the door has been opened for the children of Emirati women and foreign fathers to sign up for military service. It’s a logical step to embrace these young people. Apart from the personal benefits of service, they will qualify for the privileges afforded to the other recruits: priority for government jobs, marriage grants, housing plots and scholarships.
At a time when we are reflecting on the death of one cadet, it is important to remember the pride felt by, and in, those who serve. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said, Mohammed Khalid Al Risi “left us carrying a soldier’s badge of honour”. For this, he will always be remembered.
