UAE female national service recruits graduate with pride

ABU DHABI // The fifth batch of female national service military recruits has graduated at a ceremony at the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School.

The ceremony was attended by Major General Sheikh Ahmad bin Tahnoun, Chairman of the National and Reserve Service Authority, who praised the graduates, state news agency Wam reported.

Colonel Afra Al Falasi, commander of the military school, said National Service sought to “build the character of the conscripts, deepen the values of loyalty and sacrifice for the nation, instil discipline and develop skills, so they carry their responsibility and depend upon themselves and create an environment of fair competition and cooperation, and work as one team”.

Conscripts gained benefits such as development of leadership skills, building strong team spirit and enhancing self-confidence, she added.

The service is optional for women, who will spend nine months of military training at the school, which is the first military college for women in the Gulf.

The service starts with basic military training before they are allocated to different branches of the military based on their skills. Finally, they will receive specialised training in a specific field. Trainees also attend lectures on patriotism and religious matters.