Egypt’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Defense and Military Production Minister General Abdel Mageed Saqr attended on Wednesday a ceremony marking the graduation of the 168th class of the Reserve Officers College, named after martyr Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Mohamed Abdel Khaleq, who fell in the October War.
The ceremony was attended by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, a number of governors, senior military commanders, former directors of the college, university presidents, public figures, media representatives, and families of the graduates.
The event began with displays of sports skills, martial arts, and combat techniques reflecting the cadets’ high physical fitness and combat readiness.
This was followed by weapon-handling drills, scientific and research presentations by the cadets showcasing innovations aimed at keeping pace with scientific advancement, and finally a military parade led by flag bearers, accompanied by the Armed Forces band playing the Martyr’s Anthem in honor of Egypt’s fallen heroes.
After the chief instructor announced the graduation results, the Armed Forces Personnel Affairs Department director issued the appointment decision and awarded honors to top graduates.
Saqr presented the Military Duty Medal, Second Class, to the top students, in recognition of their distinguished performance, as approved by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
He also honored the family of the martyr Abdel Khaleq, before the graduates recited the oath of allegiance.
College director Major General Bahaa El-Sayyed Abdel Rahim highlighted the Armed Forces leadership’s support in equipping cadets with scientific and cultural skills, preparing them to shoulder their responsibilities in defending the homeland and safeguarding its sanctities.
At the close of the ceremony, Saqr conveyed President Sisi’s greetings and congratulations to the graduates and their families, stressing the president’s appreciation of their efforts and their preparedness to join the Armed Forces in defending Egypt and carrying out the duties entrusted to them by the people.
The defense minister stressed that the Egyptian Armed Forces are the people’s army, hailing the historic role of reserve officers in defending the nation and their sacrifices in securing the October Victory.
He stressed that reserve officers are a key pillar of the Armed Forces’ combat capability, relying on their military and civilian expertise to perform all duties with efficiency and dedication.
