Training begins for latest batch of Emirati national service recruits

New recruits will take part in military drills and weapons training

The latest batch of National Service recruits arrive at training centres. Courtesy: WAM

The latest intake of national service recruits have arrived for duty.

The Emiratis will sharpen their skills at training centres in Al Ain and Liwa.

The 14th batch of national service recruits – the third in the 2020/2021 academic year – will strictly follow Covid-19 safety regulations while they are moulded into military personnel.

The rigorous training regime will include military drills and weapons training, physical fitness work and the reinforcement of national values and patriotism.

In the next phase of the programme, recruits will receive specialist training to acquire specific skills related to the units they will join.

Families told of their delight at supporting the national effort in a video shared by state news agency, Wam.

A father of a recruit featured in the video, said he was proud to drop his son at military service, which is considered a “man-making factory”.

"We prepare our children so they would one day protect our country,"  the father said.

"My feeling is like any father, I want my son to be serving under National Service," said another parent.

Compulsory military service for Emirati men aged between 18 and 30 was introduced in 2014.

Maj Gen Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon, chairman of the National Service and Reserve Authority, said the establishment of reserve units was key to strengthening the capacity of the country's armed forces and boosting national security.