JEDDAH: The first group of female Saudi soldiers graduated from the Armed Forces Women’s Cadre Training Center on Wednesday, after completing 14 weeks of basic training that began on May 30.

Maj. Gen. Adel Al-Balawi, the head of the Armed Forces Education and Training Authority, delivered a speech in which he said: “The center has an important mission, which focuses on providing excellent training programs and curricula and an ideal learning environment.

“It does so in line with international quality standards that meet the needs of (female recruits). This aims to improve overall performance, which will help achieve the ministry’s objectives in the future."

After words of congratulation from Chief Sgt. Suleiman Al-Maliki, acting commander of the women’s training center, its assistant commander, Chief Sgt. Hadi Al-Anezi, administered the oath to the graduates. Their results, and the names of the most outstanding students and those who had been rewarded for their efforts with prizes, were also announced.

The graduation ceremony was sponsored by Chief of Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili. Maj. Gen. Hamid Al-Omari, director of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, and other senior officers were also in attandance.

Saudi Arabia opened up military recruitment to women in February this year.

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© Saudi Press Agency 2021