Royal Cavalry of Jordan
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| Royal Cavalry of Jordan | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Royal Cavalry of Jordan |
| Native name | الحرس الملكي الأردني |
| Country | Jordan |
| Allegiance | Abdullah II of Jordan |
| Branch | Jordanian Armed Forces |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Role | Ceremonial and security |
| Garrison | Amman |
| Commander1 | King Abdullah II of Jordan |
| Notable commanders | Hussein of Jordan, Talal of Jordan |
Royal Cavalry of Jordan is a mounted unit in Jordan tasked with royal protection, ceremonial duties, and state security. Formed from units with roots in the Arab Revolt era and Ottoman-era cavalry traditions, it operates alongside the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Jordanian Royal Guard. The unit participates in state ceremonies, international equestrian events, and security operations involving the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's royal family.
History
The genesis of the unit traces to the period of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, when mounted irregulars allied with figures such as T. E. Lawrence and the Hashemites served in transjordanian territories. During the British Mandate for Palestine, the formation of local forces led by John Bagot Glubb and the Arab Legion integrated cavalry elements, later evolving under monarchs Abdullah I of Jordan, Talal of Jordan, and Hussein of Jordan. Post-independence developments paralleled regional conflicts including the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Six-Day War, and Black September (1970), shaping doctrines influenced by leaders such as King Hussein and advisers from United Kingdom and United States. Modernization during the reign of Abdullah II of Jordan saw cooperation with institutions like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and partnerships with the United States Army and French Army in ceremonial horsemanship and security protocols. International engagements have connected the unit with organizations and events such as the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, state visits involving figures like Queen Elizabeth II, and multilateral forums including Arab League summits.
Organization and Structure
The unit is organized into squadrons and troops aligned with palace security frameworks centered in Amman and royal palaces at Al-Maquar and Zahran Palace. Command and staff include officers trained at Jordanian Armed Forces Command and Staff College and graduates of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, reflecting ties to Ministry of Defence (Jordan). Liaison elements coordinate with the Jordanian Royal Guard, Jordanian Armed Forces Logistics Corps, and police forces including the Public Security Directorate. Honor detachments are prepared for international missions and protocol events coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jordan) and state protocol offices. Historical advisory links have included foreign military missions such as those from the United Kingdom, United States, and France.
Roles and Duties
Primary duties encompass mounted and dismounted protection of the Hashemite royal family during public appearances, escorting heads of state during state visits such as those of Barack Obama or Vladimir Putin, and providing ceremonial guards at national commemorations like Independence Day (Jordan). The unit performs security for royal residences including Al-Maquar and participates in crowd-control coordination with the Public Security Directorate during national events. It also represents Jordan in international equestrian displays hosted by institutions like the Royal Windsor Horse Show, contributes to diplomatic protocol during embassy events overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jordan), and supports disaster-response tasks in coordination with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization and Jordan Civil Defense.
Uniforms and Insignia
Uniform patterns reflect Hashemite heritage and British ceremonial influence, combining elements reminiscent of uniforms from the era of John Bagot Glubb and the Arab Legion. Dress uniforms include tunics, Sam Browne belts, and plumed helmets used in state processions for monarchs such as Abdullah II of Jordan and ceremonies attended by dignitaries like King Charles III. Insignia incorporate Hashemite emblems, royal cyphers associated with House of Hashim, rank devices comparable to those used in the Jordanian Armed Forces, and unit colors displayed on standards presented in ceremonies reminiscent of royal standards used by monarchies including United Kingdom and Sweden.
Training and Recruitment
Recruitment draws from volunteers and selected personnel within the Jordanian Armed Forces, often favoring candidates with equestrian backgrounds from institutions like the Jordan Equestrian Federation and equestrian programs at Al-Hussein Technical University. Training includes horsemanship, ceremonial drill, close protection exercises taught in collaboration with units from the British Army, United States Marine Corps, and police tactical trainers from the European Union mission partners. Officers and NCOs frequently attend courses at the Jordanian Military College and international schools such as Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and have participated in exchanges with the French Republican Guard and the Spanish Royal Guard.
Equipment and Horses
Equipment comprises parade saddlery, bridles, and harnesses produced by regional and European suppliers, along with small arms and communications gear interoperable with Jordanian Armed Forces systems. Mounts include Arabian horses bred in studs associated with the Royal Stables (Jordan), champions from bloodlines found in Egyptian Arabians, Syrian Arabians, and global pedigrees showcased at events like the World Arabian Horse Organization competitions. Veterinary support is coordinated with institutions such as the Jordan University of Science and Technology veterinary faculty and international equine health programs endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization collaborations.
Ceremonial and Public Duties
The unit conducts state escorts for visiting heads of state, parades during national holidays such as Independence Day (Jordan), and mounted honors at royal weddings and funerals of members of the Hashemite family. It performs at international ceremonies including displays at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, participates in diplomatic receptions at Al-Maquar, and supports cultural heritage projects promoted by the Jordan Museums and the Department of Antiquities of Jordan. Public engagements often involve cooperation with civil organizations such as the Jordan Tourism Board and charitable events hosted by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization.