ABU DHABI // The National Service and Reserve Authority is looking at options for those deemed medically unfit to be recruited.
It is calling for a study into the number of people needed to be trained in emergency and crisis response.
"The UAE legislator felt that those who are medically unfit for national and reserve service should perform equivalent alternative service," NSRA chairman Sheikh Ahmad bin Tahnoon told Al Ittihad, the Arabic-language sister paper of The National.
“In that sense, the Emirati youth would not be deprived of the honour of national service and defending the country, its achievements and capabilities.
“That is not only done by way of arms and combat, but also by providing the support necessary to vital sectors during emergencies, crises and catastrophes, to ensure the continuity of these sectors.”
Sheikh Ahmad asked all local and federal bodies to determine the manpower needed in times of emergency and crisis, as well as the special skills in which recruits of the alternative service should be trained.
He stressed the importance of a detailed and accredited training curriculum meticulously prepared by those concerned in all vital sectors.
The authority said it was extremely important to produce regular reports specifying maximum and minimum requirements from recruits.
It said of equal importance was determining the duties and functions that would be assigned to recruits, the type of curriculum, its accreditation and the qualifications required.
Daily working hours and the place of work should also be detailed.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
