Royal Jordanian Army

Royal Jordanian Army. The Royal Jordanian Army, historically known as the Arab Legion, forms the land warfare branch of the Jordanian Armed Forces. It traces its origins to the early 20th century under the leadership of King Abdullah I and British officer John Bagot Glubb. The army has played a pivotal role in the defense of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and has been a significant participant in regional conflicts and international peacekeeping efforts.

History

The army's foundation is rooted in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, with its direct predecessor, the Arab Legion, established in 1920 by King Abdullah I in the Emirate of Transjordan. Under the command of British officers like Frederick Gerard Peake and later John Bagot Glubb, the force was professionalized and expanded. It participated in key events such as the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, defending areas including Latrun and East Jerusalem. Following Jordanian independence and the dismissal of Glubb in 1956, the army was fully Arabized under King Hussein. It was heavily involved in the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Battle of Karameh in 1968, and later faced internal conflict during Black September in 1970. The army also fought in the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Organization

The army is subordinate to the General Headquarters of the Jordanian Armed Forces in Amman. Its major formations include several mechanized and armored divisions, such as the King Abdullah II Special Operations Group. Key subordinate commands encompass the Royal Guard, the Border Guard, and various regional commands responsible for security in areas like the Jordan Valley. The army maintains close training and doctrinal ties with several nations, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, through exercises and exchange programs. Specialized branches include the Royal Jordanian Air Defense and Royal Engineering Corps.

Equipment

The army's inventory reflects a mix of Western, former Eastern Bloc, and domestically upgraded systems. Its main battle tank fleet includes the British Chieftain, the American M60 Patton, and the modernized Jordan-developed Falcon. Armored fighting vehicles consist of models like the M113, the BMP-2, and the locally produced Al-Mared infantry fighting vehicle. Artillery systems range from the M109 howitzer to the RM-70 multiple rocket launcher. Small arms include the American M16 rifle, the M4 carbine, and the FN MAG machine gun. The King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau plays a key role in local modernization and production.

Ranks and insignia

The rank structure is divided into commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel, following a system influenced by both British Army and Arab military traditions. The highest army rank is Field Marshal, held exclusively by the King of Jordan. Senior officer ranks include General, Lieutenant general, and Major general. Company-grade officers comprise ranks such as Captain and Lieutenant. The non-commissioned officer corps includes ranks like Warrant officer and Sergeant. Insignia are worn on shoulder boards for officers and on sleeves or epaulettes for other ranks, with distinct designs for the Royal Guard and special forces units.

Notable operations and deployments

Beyond its wartime history, the army has been a prolific contributor to international peacekeeping under the United Nations and other auspices. It has deployed significant contingents to missions such as UNIFIL in Lebanon, UNAMID in Darfur, and MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. The army's elite special forces have been engaged in counter-terrorism operations, both domestically and in coalition efforts, including against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. It has also provided humanitarian and disaster relief, notably during the Syrian Civil War by managing refugee camps like Zaatari refugee camp. Joint exercises with allies, such as Eager Lion with the U.S. Central Command, are regularly conducted.

Category:Military of Jordan Jordan