Country Jordan Type Mechanized Infantry | Branch Royal Jordanian Army Role Multi Role | |
Active 1970 – 2000 (5th Armd. Div.)
2000 – present Size 13,000 - 15,000 (2012 est.) | ||
The Jordanian Eastern Command (Arabic:المنطقة العسكرية الشرقية) is the Jordanian Armed Forces regional command responsible for the North - East front against Syria and Iraq.
Contents
History
Since major restructuring in 1977, the Royal Jordanian Army has kept the Eastern Command (formerly known as 5th Armoured Division) deployed between the Iraqi border and Ar Ramtha on the Syrian border with some presence in Zarqa. But in 2000, King Abdullah II made a big step to modernize and restructure Jordanian Armed Forces when the Divisions have been transformed into a lighter, more mobile forces, based largely on a brigade structure and considered better capable of rapid reaction in emergencies.
Jordanian forces traditionally maintained a defensive posture along this sector. A number of major roads link Jordan and Syria in this region, crossing undulating terrain with no natural obstacles. The important air base at Mafraq are less than 20 km from the border with Syria and are therefore vulnerable to surprise attack or artillery bombardment. As a result, Jordanian forces traditionally paid particular attention to their defenses in this region. The Sector from Ramtha to the Iraqi border was covered by the Eastern Command (5th Armoured Division).
This command was involved in many conflicts and engagements, including the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition (and its Battle of Karameh) and war against the Syrian army during Black September.
Organisation
The Eastern Command commands regional units from Ar Ramtha and Mafraq to the Iraqi border with some units based in Zarqa. The Eastern command commander is Brigadier General Ismail Al-Shoubaki.