Country Kuwait | Part of Military of Kuwait | |
 | ||
Active 1967; 50 years ago (1967) Type Paramilitary Defense Force Role Primary Tasks:
• Direct Action
• Special Reconnaissance
• Counter- Terrorism
• Foreign internal defense
Other Roles:
• Special Operations
• Border Guards
• Humanitarian Missions
• Information Operations Size Approx. 26,000 personnel | ||
The Kuwait National Guard or National Guard (Arabic: الحرس الوطني الكويتي ) is an independent main combat institution tasked mainly with the defense of the country and its territories. The National Guard traces its heritage directly to the cavalrymen and infantrymen that defended Kuwait's three mounted defensive walls. Since inception, the Kuwait National Guard under the guidance of the respective leadership; executed, participated and supported in carrying all conflicts in which the Military of the State of Kuwait engaged since 1967.
Creation and patron
The founding of the Kuwait National Guard was first conceived during the Six Day War and following the outcomes of Operation Vantage when Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was the Crown Prince of Kuwait through the 2nd decree of 1967 on June 6 during the reign of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah. A mission for this purpose was led by Sheikh Salem Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who was the driving force in forming the various tasks forces within the National Guard and who has remained at the head of the institution since its enacting in 1967.