Military service in Kuwait is compulsory for all
Kuwaiti male citizens who have attained 18 years
of age; they spend two years in the army. The period
is reduced to one year for university graduates.
The Ministry of Defence and the Army leadership
use the most modern systems such as computers and
microfilms for preparing and training Kuwaiti youth
as ranked army officers.
Established in 1969, the Ministry of Defence has
about 1,500 employees, excluding the forces. The
Ministry works towards enhancing the skills and
abilities of land, air and naval forces by sending
them to military courses, both in Kuwait and abroad.
Further, the Ministry allows for acceptance of qualified
women in various specialities such as the engineering
and military facilities, moral guidance and public
relations departments.
Kuwait's Army is an active member of the 'Peninsula
Shield' force, which is a joint force constituted
by the GCC. It includes representative units from
all the Council members. Military officials exchange
visits and conduct joint maneuvers aiming at coordination
and integration among themselves.
