KUWAIT: The late Kuwaiti leader, His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Chief of the National Guard, who passed away on Monday, set a prominent example for Kuwaiti men and the next generation.

There is no doubt that His Highness is mostly praised for his establishment of the National Guard as an independent body from the armed forces and security agencies until it reached what it is now, a military institution characterized by discipline, order, governance, advancement, and the latest military technologies. Since the establishment, His Highness laid down the rules of work in it, established its administrative structure, and provided it with specialized military cadres.

The first result was that a group of Kuwaiti sons joined the National Guard and received high military training. The force is now admired and appreciated by everyone.

In 1967, an Amiri decree was issued to establish the Kuwait National Guard as an independent body from the army and police and affiliated with the Supreme Defense Council. His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah was entrusted with its presidency to organize, prepare its cadres, and lay its foundations.

File photos show His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Chief of the National Guard performing his official duties. - KUNA

He gave it the essence of his experience and experiments until the National Guard became a towering military apparatus that undertakes its duties in defense and security in cooperation with the army and police. His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali joined hands with his brother, the late Amir of the country, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to build the National Guard.

The National Guard witnessed great development and achieved tremendous leaps in various military, administrative, and technical fields.

His Highness Sheikh Salem was keen to provide care and attention to the National Guard personnel and their families so that their performance would improve and they would have combat capabilities. Thanks to God Almighty and the efforts of the loyalists, the National Guard has become today a strong wall and a great support in protecting the homeland.

During the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the National Guard men rose to defend their homeland and fought valiantly in its defense.

During the first days of the invasion, the National Guard forces played a great role in standing up to the hordes of the occupier and inflicted heavy losses on its ranks. A major battle took place between the occupiers and the Kuwaiti heroes, confirming the sacrifices of sons of Kuwait in general and the sons of the National Guard in particular.

The National Guard camp was named after the liberation, “Steadfastness Camp,” to commemorate the memory of this battle. One of His Highness’ priorities is to protect the homeland and its citizens. His Highness always urged the officers and soldiers to protect their homeland and its citizens. — KUNA