ABU DHABI // The first Emiratis to begin national military service have been told to report to a recruitment centre next month.
Young men who graduate from high school this year and have passed their 17th birthday must attend the centres between July 13 and 17 for data registration and to determine their recruitment position.
This first batch of recruits is due to begin their national service at the end of August.
Graduates who achieved an average greater than 90 per cent during the academic year 2013-2014 will have the choice to join the first batch directly or postpone recruitment until the end of their postgraduate studies.
Students whose average is lower than 90 per cent will join the first batch if eligibility conditions are fulfilled. Those who have failed their last year of high school may postpone recruitment until they have passed final exams in the next academic year.
Recruitment centres are at Al Nahyan Camp in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Camp, Rahmania Camp in Sharjah and Liwa Camp in Al Gharbia.
Maj Gen Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon, chairman of the National Service and Reserve Authority, said the first recruits would pave the way for future batches. The moment they respond to their country’s call will be historic and unforgettable, he said.
Sheikh Ahmed urged parents to promote the concept of national military service and help their sons achieve “mental readiness”.
The recruitment process was determined at meetings between the reserve authority and educational institutions, with a notification form provided to students before they received their high-school degrees.
Sheikh Ahmed said this was aimed at identifying the total number of recruits, those who will be given permanent and temporary exemption and those whose enrolment will be deferred.
The authority has set up a free phone number, 800 8880, for inquiries.
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