Active 1963 – present Branch Jordanian Armed Forces Size 14,000 | Country Jordan Type Special operation | |
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Role Provide fully capable special operations forces to defend the Kingdom | ||
The Special Operation Forces of the Jordanian Armed Forces serve as Jordan's premiere special forces unit. Founded on April 15, 1963 on the orders of the late King Hussein, its primary roles include reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, search and evacuation, intelligence gathering combat, and the protection of key sites. The Special Operation Forces are also charged with carrying out precision strikes against critical enemy targets. The 14,000-strong unit are equipped and trained to be able to operate behind enemy lines for long periods without any logistical support, and is considered one of the finest special forces units in the world.
Contents
JSOC Development
Since their establishment in 1963, the Jordanian special operations forces were meant to be flexible and dynamic, in order to successfully face the ever-changing threats to Jordan national security. Their organizational structure has evolved significantly over the past half-century, as internal and external threats changed.
Jordanian special operations forces evolved from a multi-task company-size parachute unit in the early 1960s to brigade-size in the early 1980s, with more specialized units, including a parachute unit, special forces unit and a small counter-terrorism unit.
With the beginning of this century and the emergence of new threats to national security, Jordan established paramilitary troops—the Gendarmerie. The new military force was, and remains, tasked with countering homeland security threats, thus allowing the Special Operations Forces to focus on homeland defense threats.Therefore, the concept changed accordingly, from special operations to joint special operations.
The new organization of the Royal Joint Special Operations consists mainly of three main brigades with all standard support and service units that facilitate operations and training.
Jordanian Joint Special Operations Tasks
Tactical Tasks:
Security Tasks:
Training Tasks :
Strategic Tasks:
Joint Special Operations Command Structure
In addition to the mentioned brigades and battalions, there are Similar Units to the Special Operations Command like the Special Gendarmerie's Unit 14 (SWAT unit) & Special Police's Unit 30 (SWAT unit) .
With the need for surrounding countries to develop modern forces, Jordan has become a centre of experience and specialized training for special forces. Jordan has trained to meet the needs of Arab and non-Arab countries. As an established regional centre for special forces training, Jordan has trained forces from Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
KASOTC
The King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) is indeed a one-of-a-kind facility in the region. It was conceived to be a training hub for elite forces, law enforcement and counter-terrorism operators not only in the region, but worldwide. KASOTC offers trainees a unique opportunity to gain experience and knowledge, and to interact with similar forces from other countries, which will create a pool of highly qualified professionals who can meet the challenges of cross-borders threats.
The center’s instructors come from all over the world and were carefully selected in light of their very strong qualifications and solid experience, which is a tremendous asset to all those who participate in training at KASOTC.
KASOTC derives extraordinary success from this unique combination of elite instructors and advanced technology. When knowledge is combined with experience, a maximizing effect occurs to skills obtained, making the KASOTC experience unique to all other training facilities. It is the only reality-based, live-fire training facility of this kind in the world. Operated as a commercial enterprise, it is uniquely integrated with the Jordanian Armed Forces. This relationship is a bold innovation; providing access to military equipment and support that expands all training horizons.
Located north of Amman, Jordan in an old rock quarry, the twenty-five (25) square kilometer facility is safe, secure and isolated. It is equipped with multiple distance ranges; from a 1300-meter unknown distance range to a 300-meter, moving target range to accommodate most firearm requirements. It has a four story, close quarters battle (CQB), live-fire structure and the largest mock city in existence, 67 buildings, which include numerous arrangements from an Afghan village to an embassy. Special battlefield effects, live fire compatible throughout, with a fiber optic network connecting the Range Operations Control Center (ROC) to the hundreds of cameras, microphones, target systems, and simulators make testing the user's creativity in tactics, techniques and procedures a reality. Together with on-site lodging, dining, gym, pro-shop, weapons/equipment rental and storage; people can easily see why KASOTC is the ideal place to do what in necessary to prepare forces for the challenges of 21st century armed conflict.
Prince Hashem School for Special Operations
Mission
To train and qualify officers and NCOs from JAF, Arab and Friendly countries on RNG/ARBN and Special Operations.
School History
The school went through the following key phases in terms of organization and development
School Goals and Duties
- The preparation and training of special operations officers on Common functions.
- The preparation and training of joint special operations commissioned officers.
- The preparation and training of juvenile soldiers basic training and specialist training.
- The preparation and training of members of the armed forces through special training.
- Training of Public security, civil defense, customs and General Intelligence personnel.
- Training members of friendly States on rangers and paratroopers and other special forces works.
- The training of graduates of University officers (field) in addition to the pupils and candidates from Mutah University on rangers and paratroopers.
- Participate in the testing of new weapons and gear mechanisms and sufficiency of Joint special operations duties.
- Conduct annual tests for units and formations Joint special operations and the armed forces.
School Courses
- Platoon Commander’s Basic Tactics Course
- English Language Training Course For Officers/NCO
- Ranger Course
- Ranger and Airborne Instruction Course
- Airborne Course
- Air Assault Course
- Fighting In Built Up Areas and Internal Security
- Hand To Hand Fighting (Sejal)
- Marksmanship and Range Management Course
- Special Operations Selection Course (officers and other ranks)
- Section and Group Commanders
- Packing And Parachute Maintenance
- Free Fall Course
- Jump Masters Course
- Pathfinders Course
- Airborne Infiltration Course
- Strategic Reconnaissance Course
SOF Recruiting
Enrollment in the Jordan armed forces is on a voluntary basis, and this is obviously also true for the special operations. The first requirement for those willing to join the special operations is that they should successfully pass physical and mental fitness tests.
From a psychological point of view, applicants are evaluated by a military psychologist in order to assess their personal and leadership traits. Then, applicants undergo a medical screening and an initial PT test. Those who make it through this preliminary selection phase are admitted to an endurance camp (boot camp) for a month of extensive training. The camp is designed to test trainees’ ability to work under physical and mental stress.
Upon completing the camp, recruits take ranger and parachute courses. After this second phase, they are sent to specialized courses to complete their military professional training.
Training Courses
Small Arms
Support Weapons
Optical and Electronics Equipment
Transport
Uniforms
Special Operations Forces wear Hyper Stealth KA2 Woodland Digital (Summer, Winter), Red and Maroon berets. Some Special Operations Forces wear Black Pattern such as CTB-71.
Jordanian JSOC Insignia
37th King Abdullah II Special Forces Brigade Insignia
5th Prince Hashim Royal Aviation Brigade Insignia