Rapid Intervention / High Readiness Brigade

Rapid reaction forces are brigade-strength forces with high combat readiness, immediate response speed, flexible and highly mobile that are able to operate independently, within Jordanian forces, or with friendly and allied forces to defend Jordanian national security within the borders of the Kingdom of Jordan or Outside in all circumstances at the time and place and in accordance with the orders of the General Command of the Armed Forces.

The most important distinguishing features of the rapid intervention forces are the manpower, weapons and equipment appropriate to this brigade, the possibility of early and timely intervention, and the professional training received by the brigade.

History
The brigade was formed on August 1, 2014 as the rapid reaction force (Desert Hawk), then became on 5 November 2017 Rapid reaction Brigade and on June 25, 2018 was renamed under the banner of rapid intervention / high-readiness brigade, which is subordinate to Directorate of joint military operations. In 2017, the units from deactivated 28th Royal Ranger Brigade transferred to QRF Brigade.

In November, 2018 the brigade was named Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Rapid Intervention/High Readiness Brigade, Naming the brigade after the UAE crown prince is an “expression of the deep brotherly ties” between the two countries and comes in appreciation of the role of Sheikh Mohammed and the UAE in supporting the JAF, especially in military housing projects and training schools, according to a Royal Court statement.

Mission
Jordan has created the brigade to provide a rapid-response capability against situations that may flare up rapidly, particularly along the borders, and to sustain operations for several days. The brigade is an important element in the containment of Daesh and other extremist forces, and both the US and UK have supported this initiative with training and equipment. The Joint Special Operations Command has also taken an important role in shaping the structure and tactical employment of the brigade.

Rapid mobility is a crucial element, and additional Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks – which have been in JSOC service for some time – have been procured from the US to allow the immediate deployment of the brigade, along with more land vehicles. Communication is another important area in which new systems are being acquired, allowing Jordan to develop a fully deployable command and control capability. The Brigade has its own Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTACs).

Brigade Objectives

 * Border Area Operations.
 * Assist & Support King Abdullah II Special Forces Group.
 * Internal Security Operations.
 * Humanitarian Assistance Operations (Refugees - Civil Affairs).

Organizational structure

 * Brigade Command HQ
 * 61st Rapid Intervention Battalion (Raiders)
 * 81st Rapid Intervention Battalion
 * 91st Rapid Intervention Battalion
 * Det. from 8th Squadron (UH-60M Blackhawk) - From RJAF.
 * Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer (SAVT) Center.
 * Designed to train JTAC’s, the SAVT provides a fully immersive environment in which virtual aircraft come to life in a large domed building.
 * Brigade Training Center

Small Arms

 * HK416 A5 - 5.56×45mm assault rifle
 * M4 carbine - 5.56×45mm assault rifle
 * Barrett M82A1 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * McMillan Tac-50 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * L115A3 - .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle
 * Sako TRG-42 - .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle
 * Sako TRG-22 - .308 Winchester sniper rifle
 * DPMS LR308 - 7.62×51mm sniper rifle
 * Benelli M4 - Shotgun

Support Weapons

 * M240 machine gun - 7.62×51mm machine gun
 * Browning M2HB - 12.7×99mm machine gun
 * M203 - 40mm grenade grenade launcher
 * Mk 19 grenade launcher - 40mm grenade grenade launcher
 * Heckler & Koch GMG - 40mm grenade grenade launcher
 * FGM-148 Javelin - Fire-and-forget Anti-tank missile
 * RPG-32 Nashab - Anti-tank Grenade launcher

Optical and Electronics Equipment

 * AN/TVS-5 - Crewed Night Sight
 * AN/PVS-7D - Night Vision Goggles
 * AN/PVS-9 - Night Vision Goggles
 * AN/PVS-14 - Monocular Night Vision Device
 * AN/PVS-22 - Universal Night Sight
 * AN/PVS-23 - Binocular Night Vision Goggles
 * AN/PVS-27 - Magnum Universal Night Sight
 * Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II - Telescopic sight
 * Schmidt & Bender 5-25x56 PM II - Telescopic sight

Transport

 * UH-60M Black Hawk - Utility helicopter
 * Cougar HE 6x6 - MRAP
 * International MaxxPro - MRAP
 * Al-Tha’lab (Fox) - Long Range Patrol Vehicle
 * LTATV - All-terrain vehicle
 * Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles