Retrired military personnel and civilians could soon be called up to serve alongside Bahrain's armed forces in the event of an emergency, after the proposal cleared its final hurdle yesterday (March 15).

The Shura Council approved the Royal Decree after Military Courts director Colonel Dr Yousif Flaifil explained the BDF was more than ready to meet front line challenges facing Bahrain and the region, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

However, he added that support was needed from non-military backup teams that would not be involved in front-line fighting.

“Our armed forces are more than ready, but we need backup teams who will provide assistance and their presence is necessary since they will give administrative and logistic help to those on the front line,” he explained.

“The system has been implemented in the UAE and Kuwait and we have seen an urgent need for it as the country faces huge challenges, with threats engulfing the region and a rise in terrorist activities.

“A list is compiled and those called for backup will get a month's training, but pensioners or civilians who are not physically ready or in good health will not be enrolled.

“Women are not prohibited, they have every right to play their part.”

However, those convicted of crimes that undermine national security or whose nationalities have been revoked will not be considered.

The Royal Decree on military support units was one of two issued by His Majesty King Hamad and approved by the Shura Council yesterday.

The other restructures military courts and both have already been approved by parliament.

“Under the Royal Decree restructuring military courts, we will have two committees comprised of judges within the BDF that will deal with misconduct '“ one that will oversee the trial and the second that will oversee the appeal, each consisting of different members,” said Col Dr Flaifil.

“Also under reforms there will be appeals and a Cassation Court for the military.

“This comes after we listened to demands from military personnel.”

Meanwhile, he said military personnel were allowed to take part in political rallies that do not threaten national unity or undermine the government.

“Everyone is allowed to take part in events that are valuable to national unity or in support of the government, but gatherings and rallies that threaten safety or security are rejected and punishable under the military code of conduct,” said Col Dr Flaifil.

“Anything that is for the sake of Bahrain is encouraged and we have no restrictions against that.” - TradeArabia News Service