Newly appointed Defence Colonel General Sedki Sobhi spoke to troops for the first time on Monday at Galaa Theatre, which is managed by the armed forces. The Colonel General praised armed forces and assured its commitment to its "holy mission" of stabilising national security. He saluted the men of the armed forces who he said work "day and night" to secure Egyptian borders, fight terrorism in Sinai and protect vital institutions. During his speech, Sobhi specifically saluted his predecessor Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi who he called a "great, brave hero". He also praised the role of the civilian police in maintaining a collaborative relationship with the armed forces. The new Minister of Defence vowed to upgrade troops' combat ability and boost morale. Sobhi, promoted from lieutenant to colonel general by interim President Adly Mansour, was appointed as the Minister of Defence 26 March, the same day Al-Sisi resigned and announced his presidential bid. Fifty-nine-year-old Sobhi served as chief of staff starting 12 August 2012, succeeding Sami Anan. Before assuming office, he was the commander of the third field army and served as a member of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces, which managed the country after Hosni Mubarak stepped down following the 25 January Revolution. Sobhi has received foreign training, including studying at War College in the United States from 2004 to 2005.
