The Bahrain Defence Force is under the direct command and leadership of a commander-in-chief who holds the rank of field marshal.

Apart from the BDF, the public security forces and the Coast Guard report to the Ministry of Interior.

[5] BDF's Chief of Staff is Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqer Al Noaimi.

The first batch of recruits started basic training in 28 October 1968 with the first recurits of the force graduating in 5th of February 1969.

Sheikh Hamad, a recent graduate of Mons Officer Cadet School in 1969, was tasked with restructuring the Bahrain Defence Force.