Doha: The Qatari Armed Forces yesterday celebrated the graduation of 1,393 recruits — 606 in the fourth session and 787 in the fifth — of the National Service Programme for university and high school recruits, in Al Shamal Camp.
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Air Vice-Marshal Ghanim bin Shaheen Al Ghanim was present, along with senior military officers and officials, non-commissioned officers and parents. During the two sessions, the recruits underwent military and academic programmes, infantry training, fitness, light weapons, shooting, field and battle skills, civil defence, first aid, culture of the community, self-development, religious and other programmes.
In a statement, Air Vice-Marshal Al Ghanim said the training is based on the concept of human development, appropriate to cultural, social, economic and political values of the community.
He said the programme aims to take advantage of human resources to support the armed forces in crisis and emergency, instil a sense of belonging to the homeland in the hearts of young people, boost their fitness level and prepare them to contribute to the comprehensive development Qatar is witnessing, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030 with the youth as its pillar.
The growing demand from young people for the National Service Programme reflects rising patriotism among Qataris and reaffirms their commitment to their national responsibilities, he said, praising the high level reached by the graduates and efforts of those in charge of the programme, which yielded such a performance and efficiency.
Air Vice-Marshal Al Ghanim stressed that all programmes being implemented by the Armed Forces are the latest and most sophisticated in the world and Qatar’s security needs and that these programmes are periodically reviewed.
During the ceremony, which began with a parade by the Infantry Regiment alumni, Brigadier Mohammed Misfer Al Ayadi, Chairman, National Service Authority, said the courses aim to instil a sense of national belonging and patriotism and increase cohesion between Qataris to enable them to participate effectively in the defence of the homeland and its people, which is the duty of every citizen.
He said the wise leadership’s consideration of the human element as a key pillar is reflected in our Armed Forces through their education and rehabilitation in accordance with good rules and principles so that they are able to work with confidence and merit.
Brigadier Al Ayadi said the fourth session includes 238 university level and 368 high school level recruits and fifth includes 401 university level and 386 high school level recruits. QNA
