Emile fulfilled his national service by serving in the Army from May 17 1999, to May 17 2000.
The three initial months of training were at the School of Officers (Harbiyye). He was then placed
at the Ministry of Defense , Directorate of Orientation, where he spent the remaining nine
months.

Emile believes that the first three months of intensive training were a helpful and necessary experience. Indeed, this period of time is when Lebanese citizens from different regions and socioeconomic classes form a true melting pot. They are treated equally and work together in order to attain the same goal.

During these three months, the feeling of belonging to one nation is truly crystallized.
However, Emile feels that the nation and the enrolled youth would benefit more if the last nine months of the national service were not solely organized around the Army. The young recruits should also be able to serve in other government agencies depending upon their academic background and government needs.