KuwaitiMilitaryServicemanPerson

Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher

Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher is a Kuwaiti Lieutenant General and former Chief of General Staff, a commando officer and prisoner of war during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, who received international awards.

1. Overview

Lieutenant General Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher is a prominent figure in the Kuwait Armed Forces, having served as the former Chief of General Staff. A dedicated commando officer, he steadily advanced through the chain of command within the Kuwait Army since his commissioning in 1977, ultimately achieving the highest military position in the nation. His career is notable for his resilience, including his experience as a prisoner of war during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and his consistent contributions to Kuwait's defense and international military relations. As a high-ranking military official, his role reflects the structure of Kuwait's presidential republic, which is based on a separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, operating within a multi-party democracy.

2. Early Life and Background

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Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher was born on October 4, 1955, in Alshamiyah, Kuwait. He was raised in a military family, a tradition that was later followed by his three younger brothers, who also pursued military careers. During his childhood, Al-Khadher resided in various areas of Kuwait, including Jiblah and Al-Murqab. In 1960, his family moved to Alfaiha, where he continues to live with them.

3. Personal Life

Lieutenant General Al-Khadher is married and has five children: Aishah, Faisal, Abdullah, Abdulwahab, and Abdulrahman. He is the elder brother of the renowned Kuwaiti melodist, Rashed Khaled Al-Khadher (راشد الخضرRashed Al-KhadherArabic), who passed away in January 1998.

4. Military Career

Lieutenant General Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher's military career progressed through various ranks and key leadership roles, starting from his education at the military college and culminating in his appointment as Chief of General Staff. His service was marked by significant events, including his capture as a prisoner of war during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

4.1. Education and Early Service

Al-Khadher commenced his professional military journey in 1977 upon graduating from the Ali Al-Sabah Military College in Kuwait. He was part of the 8th commissioning course intake. His early assignments saw him demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a deep commitment to his country.

4.2. Prisoner of War and Release

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, Lieutenant General Al-Khadher, then serving with the commando brigade near Al Jahra, actively resisted the invading forces. Following his attempts to combat the invaders, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war. He endured detention in Iraqi jails for over seven months, alongside numerous other members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and police officers. After Kuwait's liberation in February 1991, Al-Khadher was freed in March and promptly returned to his unit, the Commandos.

4.3. Key Command Positions

Throughout his distinguished career, General Al-Khadher held a series of critical command and staff positions, steadily ascending the ranks:

  • Commander of an infantry platoon in the 5th Battalion of the 6th Brigade, 1977.
  • Infantry wing cadre at the Commandos School, 1978.
  • Platoon leader of the Commandos unit.
  • Company Commander of the Commandos Unit, 1983.
  • Commander of the Special Section (Commandos training), 1984.
  • Commander of the Commandos training wing, 1987.
  • Second Staff for Operation and training, Commandos Force, 1993.
  • Assistant (Executive Officer) of the Commandos Force, 1994.
  • Chief of the training branch in Ali Al-Sabah Military College, 1998.
  • Assistant (Executive Officer) of the Commander of the Commandos 25th Brigade, 2001.
  • Commander of the Commandos 25th Brigade, 2009.
  • Director of Ali Al-Sabah Military College, 2012.
  • Land Force Commander, January 2014.
  • Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, April 2014.

4.4. Professional Development and Military Training

In addition to his command roles, Lieutenant General Al-Khadher significantly enhanced his military expertise through numerous specialized courses and training programs conducted both in Kuwait and abroad:

  • Basic Infantry Course, Kuwait, 1978.
  • Commandos Basic Course, Kuwait, 1979.
  • Street Fighter Combat Course, Jordan, 1981.
  • Advanced Infantry Officers Course, Kuwait, 1982.
  • Sniper training Course, Jordan, 1985.
  • Security and Special Safe Guard Course, Jordan, 1987.
  • Commandos Battalion Commander Course, Egypt, 1988.
  • Training Specialist Course, Kuwait, 1992.
  • Leadership and Joint Staff College Course, Egypt, 1993.
  • Defense Resource Management Course, United States, 1995.
  • Joint Operation management course, Jordan, 2004.
  • National Defense Course, Jordan, 2004.

4.5. Tenure as Chief of General Staff

Lieutenant General Al-Khadher's commitment and dedication to the military personnel and the defense of Kuwait led to extensions of his service as Chief of General Staff. In October 2015, a two-year extension of his tenure was approved, commencing from that month. This proposal, put forth by the Minister of Defense, retired Lieutenant General Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarah Al-Sabah, received full endorsement from both the Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Crown Prince, Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Furthermore, in May 2017, the Council of Ministers approved an additional three-year renewal of his mandate as Chief of General Staff, effective from the date he reached the legal retirement age. During his service, Al-Khadher survived a helicopter crash landing in Bangladesh on January 2, 2018. Following the incident, he was received by Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

5. Honours and Awards

Lieutenant General Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadher has received several significant medals and commendations from various countries, recognizing his distinguished service and his contributions to international military cooperation:

  • Commander of the Legion of Honour Medal:** Awarded by the French Minister of Defense during a visit in August 2016, in appreciation for his outstanding support for military ties between France and Kuwait.
  • Medal of the Nile:** Presented by the then-President of Sudan, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, in February 2017.
  • Bangladesh Army Friendship Medal:** Received from the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, in January 2018.