# Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force

The Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force is the military leader of the Bahrain Defence Force, operating under the supreme commander, a role constitutionally held by the king of Bahrain. The king, as supreme commander, holds the highest authority within the military structure.
The commander-in-chief is responsible for command and control, overseeing the military operations and discipline in compliance with military procedures and the code of conduct established under the constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The position is reportedly held by a field marshal; however, the constitution of Bahrain lacks sufficient references to determine the eligibility criteria for the rank of commander-in-chief.

## History

The position of commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force was established in 1968, following the formation of the Defence Force in August 1968. The position was created by a decree from the then Emir, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who appointed himself as the commander-in-chief on September 3, 1968, making him the first person to hold the rank.

## Constitutional status

The 2024 revised document of the constitution of Bahrain doesn't explicitly detail the responsibilities or appointment process of the commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force. However the position and its functions are explicitly governed by the Bahrain defence force law, promulgated by legislative decree No. 32 of 2002 and legislative decree No. (5) of 1987. This decree outlines the organizational structure, authority, and operational guidelines for the BDF.
The 2024 legislative decree of the Bahrain constitution addresses the role of the commander-in-chief in Articles Three and Four. Article Three delineates responsibilities such as issuing decisions on military operations, administration, and pensions, as well as implementing legal provisions. Article Four assigns the duty of ensuring the implementation of laws within the jurisdiction.

## Appointment

The commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force is appointed by the king of Bahrain under the section B of Article 1 of the legislative decree No. (5) of 1987. The appointment order is implemented by the deputy supreme commander of the Bahrain Defence Force, crown prince and the prime minister.

## Powers

Legislative decree no. (5) of 1987 and decree no. (34) of 2002 outlines the powers and responsibilities of the commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.
Section D of Article 3 assigns the commander-in-chief the responsibility for regulating appointments within the armed forces and issuing orders during emergencies and wartime, with the approval of the emir. Section B of Article 5 details the commander-in-chief's role in making decisions regarding the deferment or extension of reserve force service periods, as well as overseeing the termination of service for members of the armed forces, as specified in Section B of Article 14.
Article 20 grants the commander-in-chief the authority to impose restrictions on reservists regarding their ability to leave the country under specific conditions. Article 21 gives the commander-in-chief ability to issue instructions to enforce military laws and regulations.
Legislative decree no. (34) of 2002 determines the role of the commander-in-chief in military affairs. Article 22 grants the commander-in-chief the authority to establish an internal investigation body for military-related matters.
Article 41 empowers the military head to establish a special military court if the president of the high court holds a lower rank than the accused. Appeals from this special court are directed to the Supreme Military Court of Appeal.
It also regulates the appointment of military judges as specified in Article 43. The commander-in-chief, under Article 89, is authorized to form a new military court to address any violations of the law or errors in the implementation or interpretation by the Supreme Military Court of Appeal. It is also responsible for the suspension and cancellation of rulings by military courts, as stipulated in Article 89.

### Disciplinary violations

In cases where an active service military person violates military discipline, disobeys orders, or disregards general instructions without a valid excuse, the commander-in-chief exercises authority under Article 137. This authority allows for various disciplinary actions, including imprisonment for up to three months, termination of service, reduction in rank or grade, salary deductions not exceeding three months, and the assignment of additional duties for up to one month.
Article 138 grants the commander-in-chief the ability to establish a disciplinary military council to conduct trials for violations. Under Article 140, it is also responsible for overturning, or ordering a retrial for rulings issued by the Disciplinary Military Council or any commander or officer.

## List of commander-in-chiefs

| # | Name | Took office | Left office |
| 1 | Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa | 1969 | 1999 |
| 2 | Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa | 1999 | 2008 |
| 3 | Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa | 2008 | Incumbent |