First group of female officers join Kuwait’s military training

Kuwait has chosen 51 university-educated women for its first Officers’ Course, Class 1. The selection was made through a public lottery at Mubarakiyah military camps, in the presence of Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Out of 654 applicants, 112 qualified for the draw. Eighteen more women were placed on a reserve list based on military needs in scientific and literary fields.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the transparent process and fair procedures. Senior officials, including Major General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Brigadier General Abdullah Al-Turkit, also attended the event.

This step is part of wider reforms to bring women into Kuwait’s armed forces. In recent months, military leaders reviewed legal and administrative frameworks, training plans and support measures to ensure women can serve effectively.

Earlier, First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah stressed the proven role of women in military work. New pathways now allow university graduates to enter Ali Al-Sabah Military College, complete a year at the Women’s Police Institute and graduate as Second Lieutenants. Women with lower qualifications may volunteer for shorter training programs.

Women were first allowed to apply for combat roles in 2021, but participation was restricted in 2022 after a religious ruling.