Under the patronage of Field Marshall Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), a ceremony to honour top achieving units in the 2023 Combat and Administrative Readiness Evaluation Test was held on Tuesday.

Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al Noaimi, Defence Affairs Minister, and Lieutenant-General Theyab bin Saqr Al Noaimi, BDF Chief of Staff, were present.

Major-General Ghanim Ibrahim Al Fadhala, Assistant BDF Chief of Staff for Operations, gave a briefing about the 2023 Combat and Administrative Readiness Evaluation Programme.

Then, BDF Commander-in-Chief honoured the Royal Guard Special Force, the winners of the place in the 2023 Combat and Administrative Readiness Evaluation Test, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The BDF Chief conveyed congratulations and greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to the units that had succeeded in clinching the first places in the 2023 Combat and Administrative Readiness Evaluation Test.

He indicated that HM the King had lauded the BDF roles, and the tasks it had carried out during operations and in time of peace, affirming the royal commendation of the honourable level showcased by the BDF to enhance its combat readiness and undertake it duties in many other fields.

Field Marshall Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa lauded the high level of readiness and competence showcased by all the BDF units and branches, praising the high morale of all BDF affiliates.

He asserted that thanks to the far-sighted vision of HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the constant follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, the BDF’s units and branches have reached advanced levels regarding combat and administrative readiness, achieving the forecast goals in this field.

The BDF’s success in enhancing its combat and administrative readiness is also the outcome of the introduction of many military systems and equipment, as well as cutting edge weapons to all units, in addition to the intensive training of its affiliates, he said.

Field Marshall Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa indicated that the first Combat and Administrative Readiness Evaluation Test (formerly called ‘Technical, Administrative and Combat Readiness Evaluation Test’) was held as early as 1980, just two years after the BDF establishment, adding that the first direct administrative inspection was carried out under the patronage of HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the then Crown Prince, Commander-in-Chief and Defence Minister.

He affirmed the importance of the tests in enhancing the combat capabilities and administrative performance of the BDF units and branches.

The Commander-in-Chief asserted that training had already begun on the newly introduced military systems and weapons, adding that more training programmes will be implemented.

He affirmed that the BDF will continue its development and modernisation programmes to be able to carry out its patriotic duties to the fullest.