UAE commander advocates international relationships and cooperation as vital security tools
Unipath Staff
For more than a decade, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces /Special Operations Command has played an important role in protecting and aiding the people of Afghanistan and helping to shape a prosperous future for them. While the Emirates have given much to increase the security of Afghanistan, it is considered a successful and unique opportunity for the Armed Forces Soldiers.
Staff Col. Mussallam Alrashedi, commander of the UAE’s special operations forces, told Unipath: “The participation in Afghanistan was important for the Armed Forces and it was helpful in developing, raising and fostering the efficiency of UAE Soldiers and building international relations.”
At the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in the United States in May 2014, Alrashedi took time from his demanding schedule to share his insights and experience with international colleagues and security experts with the goal of furthering military-to-military cooperation among friendly countries.
International Commitment
Alrashedi said the most substantial changes in his career have been during the past two years as he helped initiate and oversee major transformations to UAE’s Special Operations Command to prepare for and overcome emerging threats.
A precipitating event in the transformation occurred when H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, decided the UAE force would continue providing humanitarian assistance to those who need it in Afghanistan. In 2003, the UAE’s Armed Forces became an effective partner with peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan.
“I want to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the great opportunity to go to Afghanistan,” Alrashedi said.
Additionally, the forces provided security for UAE government agencies as they supplied humanitarian aid such as food, water and medicine to Afghans and built hospitals, schools, mosques and other infrastructure.
“We care about others, and it shows in our actions,” Alrashedi said. “The best thing is to demonstrate this model.”
The UAE has done this around the world. In 1990, UAE special forces participated in international combat operations in Kuwait. Three years later, UAE SOF took part in peacekeeping operations in a United Nations-led effort in Somalia. UAE SOF continued its work in many places such as Albania, Kosovo, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.
Commander’s Background
Alrashedi’s military career began 26 years ago. He graduated from the UAE’s Zayed Military College and reinforced that education by graduating from the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the U.S. Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting. He earned a master’s degree in operational studies, a bachelor’s degree in civilian education and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Washington University.
He has served in various positions, including Special Forces company commander during United Nations operations in Kosovo, commander of the UAE Joint Task Force 9 in Afghanistan and commander of the UAE’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion.
Later, he was appointed director of Operations and Training for the Presidential Guard Command before earning his current position. Special Operations Command has six primary tasks: counterterrorism, direct action operations, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, special and sensitive operations, and unconventional warfare. SOF has exerted the strongest pull on Alrashedi. “Everything you dreamed about as a young man, you will find in SOF,” he said, adding that one could stay in SOF for 20 years and still have much to learn. “It’s an excellent career.”
Alrashedi has received numerous awards and medals, including the Medal of Merit twice, the Long Service medal, Kuwait Liberation medal and the Silver Jubilee medal.
Future Focus
Selective recruiting, tactical prowess and advanced training are only part of what special operations forces need in today’s world of irregular warfare and asymmetric threats. Building relationships with people around the world in the spirit of tolerance is an essential component instilled in the United Arab Emirates SOF.
Taking advantage of opportunities to network and build relationships with colleagues around the world is essential, Alrashedi said. In May 2014, he gave a lecture at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition in Jordan and a few weeks later attended SOFIC in Tampa, United States.
“It’s a chance not just to build relationships, but also to see the latest technology and see the lessons learned,” he said. However, Alrashedi is quick to acknowledge the important role of advanced technology for special operations forces.
“We are concentrating on the next-generation technology to arm and train our men so we meet the requirements of rapid changes of technology. We aim to use the advanced tactics to execute our missions, yet with minimum casualties,” he said, “especially in the missions that involved freeing hostages or clearing buildings.” He noted that technology will never replace the need for continuing training and honing tactical skills. “Technology is just a tool to improve your performance on the battlefield,” Alrashedi told Unipath.
He believes the wars of the future will be unconventional, which will require forces from different countries to work together to be successful. “We are focusing on our participation in all exercises with our friends in the United States and our brothers in the Gulf states and the rest of Arab nations.”
His advice for young military recruits: Take advantage of training and advanced schooling opportunities.
He also believes having a mentor is important. H.H. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been his role model, by promoting an important strategic security vision for the region and encouraging excellence among the ranks.
“He has a vision for prosperity, not only in UAE but in the entire region. He is also aware of the external threats that aim to hinder the prospect of a peaceful and urbanized Middle East. Therefore, he knows the necessity of having elite forces to counter the terrorists. We learned a lot from his nobility and humbleness. His leadership skill makes him my true idol.”
Alrashedi said he found another important mentor in retired Australian special forces Brig. Terry O’Farrell, a veteran of the Vietnam War.
“He came to UAE in 1996, and I worked closely with him,” Alrashedi said. O’Farrell gave him unique perspectives on special forces based on his experience in Vietnam and SOF’s role in countering terrorism domestically.
By building and strengthening relationships with other forces, the UAE can better protect itself and the region. “The UAE is located in a region with tension and conflicts,” he said. “Despite the fact that we are a peaceful nation trying to do good deeds, there are many evil people who envy us. The terrorist online propaganda against the UAE is proving that we are doing the right things.”