Size 33,000 (2016 est.) | ||
Active 8 January 1926; (91 years) Country Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Allegiance Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Branch Saudi Military Forces (as of 1929) | ||
The Saudi Arabian Royal Guard Regiment (Arabic: الحرس الملكي السعودي Al-Ḥars al-Malakī as-Suʿūdī) is a unit in the Saudi Arabian Army. Originally an independent military force, the Royal Guards were incorporated into the Army in 1964. However, the Royal Guards still retained their unique mission of protecting the House of Saud. Units of the Royal Guard protect the King of Saudi Arabia at all times.
Contents
The Royal Guards report directly to the king and for security reasons maintain a separate communications network from the regular Army.
Members of the Royal Guard Regiment often wore the flowing white thaub (robe) and white kaffiyah and qutrah (traditional Arab headgear of skullcap and scarf). Royal Guardsmen wear bright green berets when in conventional uniforms.
Strength
The Royal Guard Regiment consists of three light infantry battalions, based near Riyadh. The commander of the Royal Guard is General Hamad ibn Muhammad al-Uhali.
Ranks
Officers (up) Enlisted (down) Officers
Enlisted