Kuwait National Guard Marks 59 Years of Service
The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) marks its 59th anniversary on June 7, commemorating nearly six decades of distinguished service in safeguarding the homeland, protecting vital installations and providing support to state institutions as part of Kuwait’s national security and defense system.
The KNG was established under Decree-Law No. 2 of 1967, issued by the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, on June 7, 1967. The decree created the National Guard as an independent body separate from the Armed Forces and public security agencies, operating under the Supreme Defense Council.
On the same day, another Amiri decree appointed the late Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah as Chief of the National Guard. He undertook the responsibility of building the institution and laid the foundations for a national force dedicated to serving and protecting Kuwait.
Throughout his leadership, Sheikh Salem Al-Ali guided the National Guard through decades of development, helping establish its standing among Kuwait’s defense and security institutions.
His efforts were supported by successive national leaders, including the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, KNG Chief Sheikh Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah when they assumed the position of Deputy Chief of the KNG, contributing to advancing the Guard’s capabilities and operational readiness.
Members of the National Guard recall with pride the sacrifices made by their predecessors, particularly during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Many personnel gave their lives in defense of the nation, embodying the values of loyalty, courage and dedication to Kuwait and its leadership.
On October 9, 1994, the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was appointed Deputy Chief of the National Guard with ministerial rank. During nearly nine years in office, he worked to develop KNG by acquiring advanced weapons systems and equipment to strengthen operational efficiency.
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah also attached great importance to training and education, believing that qualified commanders and officers are essential to enhancing combat readiness. His tenure witnessed continued efforts to improve professional development and raise the standards of military preparedness across the National Guard.
On January 13, 2004, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then serving as KNG Deputy Chief, began a new phase of institutional development. Under his leadership, the National Guard adopted modern administrative and organizational practices and expanded professional training programs.
The National Guard further strengthened cooperation with state institutions through joint protocols, exchange of expertise and support during emergencies and crises. These partnerships enhanced their role as a key national support force capable of assisting various government agencies when required.
On November 13, 2024, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued an Amiri decree appointing Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as Chief of the National Guard.
The decree establishing the National Guard assigned it the responsibility of assisting the Armed Forces and public security agencies whenever requested, contributing to national defense objectives and carrying out duties entrusted to it by the Supreme Defense Council.
In implementation of the decree, the National Guard undertakes a wide range of missions, including securing strategic facilities, protecting selected diplomatic premises, supporting public security efforts and participating in the protection of military convoys and friendly forces operating in Kuwait.
The National Guard also works alongside the Ministries of Defense and Interior in securing major regional and international events hosted by Kuwait, including Arab, Gulf and international summits. It contributes to protecting delegations and ensuring the smooth conduct of such gatherings.
The National Guard carries out the tasks required of it efficiently and professionally, which it proved during the recent aggressive Iranian attacks on Kuwait, as they showed readiness and performed their tasks efficiently and competently.
Furthermore, strategic planning has been a cornerstone of the National Guard’s development efforts. In 2010, it launched its first strategic plan under the slogan “Security is the Foundation of Development,” followed by subsequent plans aimed at strengthening institutional performance, operational readiness and inter-agency cooperation, leading to the strategic plan (2030 – Protecting the Homeland) These plans focused on developing skills, enhancing technical capabilities and expanding cooperation with military and security institutions in friendly and neighboring countries.
They also sought to promote innovation and modern management practices across all sectors of the organization. Among the achievements resulting from this strategic vision was the introduction of rotary-wing aviation capabilities to support rescue, evacuation and operational missions.
The National Guard also implemented integrated security systems and digital transformation projects that enhanced administrative efficiency and electronic communications. The National Guard has further expanded its role as a national support force by establishing specialized units dedicated to assisting state agencies during emergencies. Through training, planning and cooperation agreements, it has strengthened Kuwait’s preparedness to confront crises and ensure continuity of essential services.
Large numbers of National Guard personnel have been also enrolled in academic and professional programs inside and outside Kuwait, while specialized training centers have been established to enhance technical skills, language proficiency and the use of modern technologies.
KNG’s leadership has also invested in upgrading infrastructure and training facilities, including advanced shooting ranges and modern military training complexes, as well as medical centers, support facilities and service projects for personnel, all in line with international standards.
Kuwait National Guard continues to strengthen its capabilities and reinforce its role as a pillar of national security, committed to protecting the homeland and supporting state institutions in accordance with its founding mission and strategic vision for the future.
Source: KUNA
