National service term extended
abu dhabi — Compulsory military service for young Emiratis holding a secondary high school certificate and above has been extended to 16 months, the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces has announced.
Previously it was mandatory to serve for 12 months.
Women of the same age group as well as men aged between 30 and 40 can volunteer irrespective of their educational qualification.
Since its implementation in 2014, the national service programme has achieved positive results and reflected positively on the conduct of the recruits. It is considered one of the UAE’s most effective and important strategic move, in the light of its anticipated strategic outcomes in political, military, security, national, social and economic terms, reported national news agency WAM.
The mandatory military service for all Emiratis aged between 18 and 30 and setting up a new national defence and reserve force was introduced in June 2014 by virtue of the UAE National Service Law. And employers cannot sack or deny promotions, salary increases or service benefits to Emiratis, who are serving their term in the national service. Right move The extension of compulsory military service for young Emiratis have been hailed by many as the right step in nurturing patriotism and self-discipline among the youth.
Saleh Al Hamed, an Emirati businessman based in Abu Dhabi, said serving in the military will give the new generation a sense of belonging and responsibility toward the country.
“Many young men in my family have completed their term in the service, and we were amazed to see the change in their attitude. They come out as new personalities with a new world view. It is good for themselves. It is good for the family, society and the country,” said Al Hamed.
One of the most palpable benefits of National Service is the sharp fall in crimes and acts of vandalism committed by young Emiratis. A 2017 report prepared by the Abu Dhabi Public Prosecutors has found that mandatory National Service after high school has led to a 75 per cent fall in crimes in the past three years. Number of fights among youths aged between 18 and 30, which usually led to death and disability also reportedly reduced.
According to the report, 61 cases were reported in the past three years, down from 274 in the three years, a decrease of 78 per cent before National Service was introduced. Cases involving vandalism also dropped by 25.2 per cent from 694 to 519 during the same period. The prosecutors’ figures also showed a 53 per cent drop in court cases relating to bounced or bad cheques, from 3,369 to 1,587 cases. “Besides training military skills to our youths, the programme helps in instilling discipline and good morals in the minds of young people, which help to reduce crimes and violence in the society,” judicial authorities said.