The Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has announced the official start of the registration process for new recruits approved by the Security and Vetting Commission to join the ranks of the National Islamic Army.
Kabul 24: According to the ministry, recruitment and enlistment centers in Kabul and all provinces are now ready to receive eligible applicants.
Registration requires presentation of a national identity card (tazkira) along with a duly approved form from the Security and Vetting Commission.The directive to launch this recruitment drive was issued directly by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Minister of National Defense.
The primary objective, as stated by the ministry, is to strengthen the country’s defense and security capabilities in the face of various internal and external threats.Military experts view this move as part of a broader strategy by the Islamic Emirate to significantly increase both the quantity and quality of its armed forces.
They believe that expanding the number of well-trained and organized personnel will enhance internal security, improve the army’s operational effectiveness in various missions, and bolster border defense capabilities.
Some political and security analysts emphasize that, alongside continuing to recruit loyal members of the Islamic Emirate, efforts should also be made to open pathways for qualified young people from other segments of society.
This, they argue, would provide the national army with greater diversity and broader social support.Official figures released earlier indicate that by the end of 2025, the number of trained personnel in the National Islamic Army had reached approximately 181,000. In addition, more than 100,000 police personnel have completed training programs across various sectors, including customs, border security, traffic, and public order.
Ministry officials have stressed that the recruitment and registration process will continue in an organized and transparent manner, with priority given to individuals who successfully pass the Security and Vetting Commission’s filters.
This expansion comes at a time when the Islamic Emirate is focused on further consolidating its authority and addressing ongoing security challenges both domestically and in the region. Increasing the number of trained and equipped forces remains a central pillar of Kabul’s defense strategy in 2026.
