Qatar’s national service program strengthens younger generations and national security
NAVY STAFF COL. (SEAL) ABDULLAH SHAHEEN AL-DOSARI/QATARI SENIOR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE TO U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND
Teach your children swimming, horse riding and shooting — The skills described by influential Muslim ruler Omar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Rashid of the Rashidun Caliphate, were once imperative for young men to defend their country during times of war. Qatar’s new national military service program is a modern continuation of this classic proverb.
In 2013, Qatari leaders embarked on the path to create a national military service program for the country’s youth. The program makes military service mandatory for young men between the ages of 18 and 35. Those with two- or four-year college degrees will serve three months; those with high school diplomas or less must serve four months.
This program does not simply benefit one party – instead both the young men who participate and the country in whole will reap the benefits.
National service programs, also known as compulsory or conscription military service, help to cultivate a spirit of pride in one’s country. In Qatar, this was a strategic and wise decision that comes at the right time. As many know, Qataris enjoy stability and security within their borders, insulated from challenges faced by other countries such as high unemployment. However, to maintain this security environment, it is essential to strengthen the country from within. To do this, there must be sacrifice. But with sacrifice, comes great benefits — and in the case of the national service program, Qatar’s young men and the nation will reap rewards.
When registration opened for the program in February 2014 about 2,000 young Qataris immediately signed up for the inaugural year of the national service program. At a news conference, His Excellency Staff Maj. Gen. Mubarak bin Mohamed Al-Kumait Al-Khayarin, commander of the Emir Air Forces and chairman of the National Service Committee, indicated that students who join the national service can finish their training in military or security institutions if they desire. “The top students in training will have a greater chance of working in the military and security institutions because these institutions always want to hire the highest caliber who are making the first rank.” In Qatar, we have tried to learn from the experience of others to create a program that maximizes value to both the country and young men. The people of Qatar trust and have confidence in their government and Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
As a father, I believe in requiring this service of our sons. By teaching our sons, we show them our love and hope for their well-being and prosperous futures.
Some may have the false perception that making this contribution will simply require physical discipline, but national service is much more than that. The new program will help mold and shape the personalities of Qatar’s young men, as well as increase their general awareness of the world. This period of their lives provides a prime opportunity to mold and shape their personalities and character. It will teach civic responsibility and the value of hard work.
Young men will learn critical thinking skills and new technology and achieve general awareness, enabling them to build and develop their country. The skills they acquire will make them more valuable to employers and more capable of handling challenges. It will help them appreciate the many luxuries enjoyed by Qataris, as well as develop other positive character traits, such as respect for others and industriousness.
Compulsory military service programs have occurred throughout history. From the time of the Ottoman Empire to the present, leaders in Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have implemented these types of programs for a variety of reasons. The most important reason: to prepare and train a force to defend the nation. For instance, in 2013 the people of Switzerland rejected a proposal to end the country’s military conscription, even though the country has not fought in a war in more than 200 years. Those defending the program said it helped to connect the Swiss people, who do not share a single language or culture. Supporters also said the program aids national security by allowing the military to easily recruit the nation’s best doctors, engineers and computer specialists to confront the evolving nature of war.
As for the nation, this program will create generations of young men ready and able to protect and defend the country. These young men will eventually be charged with securing the future of Qatar — protecting the country’s culture, history and national advancements.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Navy Staff Col. (SEAL) Abdullah Shaheen Al-Dosari is Qatar’s senior national representative to U.S. Central Command. He has completed advanced military training in Qatar and abroad, including in the United States, France, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England. He earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2010.
UAE Begins Military Conscription Program
UNIPATH STAFF
Like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates has created a compulsory military service program.
Signed into law in June 2014, the program mandates that men between the ages of 18 and 30 serve in the United Arab Emirates’ Armed Forces. Those without a high school diploma must serve two years; those with a high school diploma or a higher degree must serve for nine months. The program is voluntary for women.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister, announced military conscription on Twitter in January 2014, saying the program will protect the country’s sovereignty and independence.
“Our message to the world is a message of peace; the stronger we are, the stronger our message,” he wrote.
Public reaction to the new program has been positive, with many youth saying they are eager to serve their country. The young men and women in the program will receive weapons training and learn skills such as how to respond to disasters.
Emirati political scientist Abdulkhaleq Abdulla said the decision shows the country’s commitment to preserving its stability and prosperity. “With this kind of decision today, I think the country is saying, ‘We want to continue with the stability and prosperity, but we are also well-equipped for any eventuality,’ ” Abdulla told Reuters. “We are living in a red zone. … It’s a very difficult zone with a lot of difficult neighbors. You need to be on guard all the time.”
UAE Brig. Gen. Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz told The National that he has received many benefits during his 30 years of military service.
“They gave me everything,” he said. “Good facilities, good hospitals, schools.” The compulsory service program will teach younger generations the importance of protecting their country, he said. “You need to secure the future for you and your family, and it doesn’t come easy so this is an excellent opportunity for them.”
Sources: Gulf News, The National, WAM – Emirates News Agency, Reuters
AT A GLANCE: Regional Military Conscription Programs
Egypt
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic
Qatar
Syria
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
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