Royal Special Forces
| Special Operation Forces العمليات الخاصة الاردنية |
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|---|---|
 Emblem of the Special Operation Forces |
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| Active | 1963 – present |
| Country | Jordan |
| Branch | Jordanian Armed Forces |
| Role | Primary tasks:
Precision missions:
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| Nickname | SOCOM or Maroon Berets |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Brigadier General Ali Jaradat |
The Special Operation Forces of the Jordanian Armed Forces were founded in 1963 on the orders of the late King Hussein. In the early 1970s, Jordan's Special Forces were developed and assigned the tasks of reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, search and evacuation, combat, and the protection of key sites. The Special Forces have also been charged with precision missions including the targeting of military convoys and the cutting off of enemy supply lines and communications. Members are equipped and trained to be able to operate behind enemy lines for long periods without any logistical support. Currently the Special Forces branch consists of two specially trained battalions (71 and 101), and two paratroop battalions (81 and 91). Attached to them several special operations units, equipped with advanced equipment to make them as mobile as possible.[1]
The Jordanian Special Operations Tasks are:
Tactical Tasks:
- Occupying airborne bridge-head to assist ground forces.
- Conducting raids on enemy HQs, artillery sites, missile sites, roads and any other significant key targets.
- Airborne and air assault operations.
- Armor hunting.
- Strategic reconnaissance missions.
- Organizing, training and developing guerrilla forces.
- Operating behind enemy lines.
- Assaulting captive cells and freeing POWs.
- Urban area operations.
- Readiness to assist any Arab brethren countries upon request.
- Search and rescue operation.
Security Tasks:
- Counter terrorism operations.
- Counter infiltration and smuggling.
- Internal security operations.
Training Tasks :
- Provide rangers and paratrooper training to JAF units.
- Provide officers and NCO's from Arab countries with special operations and ranger courses.
- Train public security and customs department officers.
- Participate in training courses held in Arab countries.
Strategic Tasks:
- Participate in UN missions.
- Assist in training friendly forces.
- Evacuation operations in time of disasters.
The Special Operations Command is divided into 3 divisions:
- Joint Special Operation Forces
- Al-Hussein Bin Ali Airborne Brigade /30
- 37th Royal Special Forces Brigade - King Abdullah II
- 61 Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR-61)[2]
- 71st Counterterrorist Battalion (CTB-71)
- 81st Ranger Battalion (Paratrooper)
- 91st Airborne Orientation Battalion (Paratrooper)
- 101st Special Forces Battalion (SOU-101)
- Royal Jordanian Navy Frogman Team
- Royal Jordanian Navy Special Boat Unit
- Special Operation Aviation Brigade (Prince Hashem Bin Abdulah II Aviation brigade /5)
- Fixed Wing Element (31sq / AN-32B, C-235)
- Helicopter Element (28sq / MD-530F, 30sq / UH-60L)
- Special Forces Element
In addition to the mentioned brigades and battalions, there are many attachments to the Special Operations Command like the Special Gendarmerie's Unit 14 (SWAT unit)& Special Police's Unit 30 (SWAT unit) .
As far as naval warfare goes: many Jordanian Special Operators from all brigades undergo Jordanian Navy SEAL training to use the skills whenever need be, but there is a a maritime warfare unit stationed in Aqaba that acts as the rapid intervention force in the event of any threat. Additionally, the Jordanian Special Forces employs elements in the Air Force, Navy, Air Defence and other Armed Forces units like the 2nd Special Tanks Units etc. 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.
[edit] References
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