The Popular and Military Defense Forces: The Nation’s Shield and the Society’s Support
As part of the General Command of the Armed Forces' commitment to supporting civil society and strengthening the spirit of loyalty and belonging among all segments of society, the Popular and Military Defense Forces continue to implement pioneering national initiatives. These include organizing field visits for schools, universities, ministries, and public institutions to military sites and memorials, with the aim of deepening national awareness and connecting new generations to their proud military heritage.
The origin of the Popular and Military Defense Forces dates back to the post-July 1952 Revolution era, when Major General Mohamed Naguib issued the first republican decree on October 25, 1953, forming the "National Guard" from regional units made up of volunteers to secure vital state facilities and infrastructure.
In 1968, President Gamal Abdel Nasser issued Decree No. 55 to establish Popular Defense Organizations, which were tasked with contributing to the security of the home front. These local grassroots units, operating across Egypt’s governorates, served as support to protect the military’s rear lines.
Later, Republican Decree No. 593 was issued on April 21, 1969, establishing the Command of the Popular and Military Defense Forces in the Kobri El-Qobba area of Cairo. The headquarters was later moved to Martyr Hisham Barakat Square.
Continuing this patriotic approach, late President Anwar Sadat instructed in the summer of 1971 the introduction of Military Education in schools and universities. This directive was institutionalized through Law No. 46 of 1973, which mandated the teaching of military education at both secondary and higher education levels. The goal was to “develop military awareness and instill loyalty and belonging in the hearts of our youth to create a generation capable of advancing the Egyptian state and preparing all students to participate in securing the republic’s depth and protecting the armed forces’ rear lines.”
In a significant constitutional development, on April 23, 2019, the House of Representatives approved an amendment to Article 200 of the Constitution, reaffirming the Armed Forces as the backbone of the Egyptian state. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, ratified this amendment on July 27, 2020.
The original version of Article 200 (prior to 2019) stated:
“The Armed Forces belong to the people. Their duty is to protect the country, maintain its security and the integrity of its territories. Only the state shall establish such forces. No individual, organization, group, or entity is permitted to create military or paramilitary formations. The Armed Forces shall have a Supreme Council as regulated by law.”
After the amendment, the first paragraph of Article 200 reads:
“The Armed Forces belong to the people. Their duty is to protect the country, maintain its security and the integrity of its territories, safeguard the Constitution and democracy, preserve the state’s fundamental pillars and its civil nature, and protect the people’s gains and individual rights and freedoms. Only the state shall establish such forces. No individual, organization, group, or entity is permitted to create military or paramilitary formations.”
To further enhance integration between the military institution and civil society, certain provisions of Law No. 55 of 1968 regarding Popular Defense Organizations and Law No. 46 of 1973 on Military Education were amended. A new Article (5 bis) was added, stating:
“Each governorate shall have a Military Advisor and an adequate number of assistants, whose appointment and job requirements shall be determined by a decree from the Minister of Defense. The Military Advisor shall be responsible for:
• Representing the Ministry of Defense within the governorate.
• Participating in the regular field follow-up of public services and ongoing projects.
• Engaging with citizens to identify their issues and taking appropriate action.
• Coordinating with relevant local authorities to support the state’s developmental goals in economic, social, and cultural fields and prevent serious threats to national security.
• Coordinating with educational authorities at the governorate level to implement the Military Education curriculum in accordance with the Ministry of Defense’s guidelines.”
In conclusion, the Popular and Military Defense Forces remain one of Egypt’s steadfast arms in ensuring societal security and promoting national awareness—an active embodiment of the Armed Forces' role as the guardian of the Constitution, democracy, and the nation’s achievements.
