Celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, Egypt's Military Academy is the oldest and most prestigious in the Middle East and a source of pride for all citizens of the country. Amirah Ibrahim traces its history In an interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, head of the Military Academy Major General Esmat Murad reveals his vision of one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the region. Major General Esmat Murad, promoted as head of the Military Academy some months ago, has had a long and distinguished career in the Egyptian army, most recently as head of the paratroops unit. He is now in charge of the same military institution where he received his first training many decades ago. "The Military Academy's prime target is to prepare cadets to become combat officers capable of commanding military units during times of war and peace," Murad told the Weekly. "Future officers need to learn that they will need to perform their roles under sometimes difficult physical and psychological conditions, and for this reason they need the best- quality training programmes. That is what we do here at the academy: give them what they need in order to deal with the difficulties they are likely to face every day." The Military Academy is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, and many middle-class families will do almost anything to see their sons enter. However, the academy cannot take everybody, and this has led some to question its entry requirements. "In a country with economic problems such as Egypt, it would not be right for us to take anyone that we do not believe to be capable of following the most rigorous training," Murad said. "A lot of money is spent on the cadets' education, and we have to be sure that all those admitted will be able to benefit from it." "All cadets are graduated with the same rank of lieutenant. The only exception we make is for the sons of those who have been killed on active duty, and this only accounts for 10 per cent of the total marks." The academy's admissions office accepts the secondary school general certificate and its equivalent, provided that holders are not more than 22 years old, and it also accepts a Bachelors degree from one of the Egyptian universities. Students from Arab and African countries are accepted with similar qualifications. Cadets have to observe the strictest standards of behaviour during their years at the academy and beyond. However, even having an impeccable academic and other record does not mean that every young man will be able to get in. For Egyptian students, the sons of non- Egyptian parents may not join the academy, and the parents of all Egyptian cadets must be native Egyptians, holding no other nationality. "We cannot risk top state positions being occupied by non-Egyptians," Murad explained. "Many army officers are appointed to take up sensitive positions relating to the national security of the country. The same conditions apply in all other countries: admittance to military academies is always confined to nationals of the country and is not allowed to those having double nationality." A previous condition that the grandparents of all prospective cadets should also be native Egyptian has now been cancelled. Prospective cadets seeking admission have to pass tough interviews, fitness and medical tests. One month ago, the academy also added an Arabic-language requirement to its admission tests. "We have noticed that non-Arabic education in schools has sometimes affected students' ability to communicate. We cannot have officers who are not able to communicate with their men in the proper way," Murad said. Effective this year, those seeking admission to the academy will need to show that they have a complete mastery of the Arabic language. This new condition has been welcomed by politicians and activists alike as a way of boosting Arab identity among young people. In answer to allegations that Sinai Bedouin are banned from entering the academy due to relations they may have with Israel, Murad said that "my simple reply is that the Sinai Bedouin are better off than residents of the capital when it comes to admissions. When one compares admission rates for the governorates of South and North Sinai and Cairo, it is easy to see that Sinai is favoured." Basic military study is divided at the academy over four academic years, with cadets studying general military subjects, the humanities, sciences, and computer technology. Theoretical studies are followed by practical applications and training in many specialties. "With this thorough scientific training, students are able to adapt to advances in military science and are able to maintain the highest level of combat efficiency in their units," Murad explained. Developing the quality of the educational programmes on offer has caused the academy to expand the teaching of foreign languages, with the military now offering instruction in English, Hebrew, French and German. The English language is studied over the four academic years using an American curriculum. Hebrew studies include not only the language, but also the geography, military and state administration of Israel. "Students should be able to read and write Hebrew well, and they should be able to understand and recognise military ranks and terminology," Murad said. Some 179 students study French at the academy, and a smaller number study German, also paying attention to general knowledge about life in Germany.
