As the first batch of male recruits is due to begin their national service in September, the Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School, the Gulf region's first military college for women, is gearing up to welcome female conscripts for the 9-month military training under the national and reserve service law.
The training is optional for women aged between 18 to 30 provided they get the consent of their parents.
Lieutenant Colonel Afra Saeed Al Falasi, Commander of Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School, said the U.A.E.'s leadership has given great attention to Emirati women so as to empower them to be on an equal footing with their male partners in the service of the nation.
'Women are today holding leadership roles and the Federal Law No. 6 of 2014 on National and Reserve Service has opened the door for them to contribute along with men in the development of the nation,' she added.
She affirmed that the U.A.E. Armed Forces had mobilised all resources and facilities to facilitate smooth implementation of the national service training. State-of-the-art facilities have been built to welcome and train the first batch of female conscripts. Highly professional female trainers are excited to provide world-class training on development of character and leadership skills as well as physical fitness.
The recruits will be managed, supervised and trained by professional women keeping in mind traditions and customs of Emirati society in the creation of the facilities and the training programmes, which have been specially tailored for the national and reserve service.
The service is made up of three parts. The first is basic military training. Next they will be allocated to different branches of the military based on their skills. Finally they will receive specialised training in a specific field. Trainees will also attend lectures on patriotic and religious matters of concern.
As the sole authorised military training provider for women under the national and reserve service law, the school will conduct a 12-week-long training programme of which 10 weeks for basic training and the remaining two weeks for specialised training.
During the three-month basic training programme, she explained the conscripts will stay the first two-week mandatory period at the camp accommodation after which they will be released at weekends and that the Armed Forces will provide transport service to and from all emirates.
Urging young Emirati women to join the military service, Al Falasi affirmed that ' Nothing of more value than answering the call of national duty.' She added that conscripts would gain countless benefits starting from developing leadership skills, to building strong work team spirit and enhancing self-confidence.
On the possible challenges some new recruits may face in adapting to military life, Al Falasi said that a team of social workers will be on hand to provide psychological support and assistance if necessary arises.
Source: WAM