The Young Soldier Festival was held at the Supreme National Defense University

On Tuesday, 22nd of Jan,2024 in the current year, the Supreme National Defense University hosted the 16th Cultural Festival of Ali Akbar (AS) titled "Young Soldier Festival, National Dignity, Social Joy" with the aim of promoting social vitality and fostering communal engagement.

In this esteemed ceremony, Brigadier General Abdollahi, the Deputy Coordinator of the Armed Forces General Staff, delivered a keynote speech as the special guest speaker. He expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the organizers of this festival, acknowledging the significance of the occasion, which coincides with the blessed month of Rajab and the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Taqi (AS). While elucidating the term "sacred" in conjunction with the word "soldier." He emphasized that serving as a soldier in the sacred system of the Islamic Republic is a noble duty of safeguarding and protecting the territorial integrity of the Islamic nation. Furthermore, he added, "We all have the privilege of being soldiers before anything else."

In reference to the narrations of the infallible Imams (AS) regarding military service, Brigadier General Abdollahi, the Deputy Coordinator of the Armed Forces General Staff, highlighted the supplications of Imam Sajjad (AS) concerning the soldiers who guard the Islamic borders. He emphasized that no one should feel worthless or think that their life is being wasted during their military service, as they are engaged in a sacred duty. He compared the armed forces to a family, where all members of this body must work towards ultimate health and well-being. He considered the soldiers as an integral part of this collective entity.

He further acknowledged the undeniable fact that soldiers have been an integral part of the country's defense structure throughout history. However, he highlighted that in the past, the dignity of soldiers was not always respected. He also noted the significant social changes that have occurred and pointed out that today, more than 45% of our soldiers have higher education and possess exceptional capabilities. Among the soldiers, there are even elites whose presence has necessitated the establishment of several organizations to manage their status and utilize their abilities effectively.

Continuing with his recommendations, he advised the soldiers to avoid laziness and complacency, stating that true success comes from making a diligent effort. He emphasized that the hardships faced by soldiers in the future will become cherished memories, as they will look back on their service with pride. Furthermore, he stated that those who enter the realm of work and exertion as soldiers will leave with hands full of service. During their service, they have the opportunity to strengthen discipline, order, and loyalty to their commitments. These experiences allow them to enhance their threshold for endurance and resilience.

Referring to the Supreme Leader’s Speech of the Islamic Revolution on safeguarding the dignity and honor of soldiers, he added that based on the directives of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, extensive efforts have been made over the past two years to ensure that matters related to soldiers are conducted with utmost respect and consideration for their status. Furthermore, he highlighted the significant investments made in providing training and vocational programs for soldiers in skill development centers. These initiatives aim to utilize the leisure time of soldiers effectively and offer them opportunities to learn various trades and professions. Over 500 fields and skills have been incorporated into the training programs, allowing soldiers to acquire not only theoretical and practical knowledge but also technical and vocational certifications.

Brigadier General Abdollahi also highlighted the provision of loans and facilities to soldiers, even after the completion of their military service. He stated that in the current year, over 2 trillion tomans in loans have been disbursed to discharged soldiers to support their employment and marriage endeavors. He further expressed the commitment to increase this amount to 5 trillion tomans for the following year, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to provide financial assistance and opportunities for soldiers even beyond their service period.

 He also highlighted the "Welcome Soldier Plan" for the military service period, stating that it is one of the main objectives of the Armed Forces General Staff. He mentioned that this plan has received strong emphasis from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and the General Staff is dedicated to its implementation. The Plan aims to enhance the overall experience of soldiers during their service, ensuring their well-being, and providing them with necessary support and facilities.

He emphasized the importance of soldiers adhering to the rule of law and stated that soldiers are the embodiment of participation in the country's defense sector. During their service, soldiers have the opportunity to experience independent living, which allows them to benefit from those experiences after their military service. He mentioned that the benefits and achievements of this focus include organized life, responsibility, strengthening the spirit of sacrifice, selflessness, and courage, improving interpersonal relationships, and ultimately enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Prior to them, Brigadier General Dr. Ismail Ahmadi-Moghaddam, the President of the Supreme National Defense University, extended congratulations on the arrival of the month of Rajab, the birth of Imam Javad (AS), and also the birth of Imam Ali Akbar (AS) and Father's Day. He also shared memories from the days of the imposed war and the soldiers who demonstrated great valor during that time, preventing the enemy from capturing their military bases. He emphasized that the resistance of a soldier alone, along with their courage and bravery, prevented the fall of a military base of our forces in a region of Sar-Dasht. Today, our soldiers must prepare themselves for such scenes. Continuing his statements, he referred to Hajj Qasem Soleimani as the "greatest soldier" and instructed that instead of the word "Commander," the word "Soldier" should be written on his tombstone.

The President of the Supreme National Defense University, addressing the conscripted personnel present at the session, emphasized that soldiers should not perceive their military service as a waste of time. He stated that this period is a time of responsibility, acquiring social discipline, strengthening social skills, and building a constructive mindset.

Brigadier General Dr. Ismail Ahmadi-Moghaddam emphasizes the need for the establishment of a public mobilization in society, whereby individuals can benefit from suitable employment and housing after completing their military service. While this may seem somewhat idealistic, it is achievable, as other countries have successfully implemented such experiences.

The President of the National Defense University, referring to this festival inspired by the name of Imam Ali Akbar (peace be upon him), highlighted its striking resemblance to the esteemed Islamic Prophet (peace be upon him) in appearance, ethics, and expression. He expressed that our soldiers should strive to align themselves as closely as possible with this great Islamic model in their ethics, behavior, and speech.

During this ceremony, Brigadier General Nasser Ebrahimí, the head of the Operations and Services Center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, also presented a report on the selection and screening process of exemplary soldiers and successful organizational ranks in dealing with duty-bound personnel.

The ceremony concluded with appreciation and awarding prizes to exemplary soldiers and diligent personnel involved in matters related to duty-bound soldiers.