Special Operation Forces (Jordan)

The Special Operation Forces of the Jordanian Armed Forces serve as Jordan's premiere special forces unit. Founded on April 15, 1963 on the orders of the late King Hussein, its primary roles include reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, search and evacuation, intelligence gathering combat, and the protection of key sites. The Special Operation Forces are also charged with carrying out precision strikes against critical enemy targets. The 7,000-strong unit are equipped and trained to be able to operate behind enemy lines for long periods without any logistical support, and is considered one of the finest special forces units in the world.

JSOC Development
Since their establishment in 1963, the Jordanian special operations forces were meant to be flexible and dynamic, in order to successfully face the ever-changing threats to Jordan national security. Their organizational structure has evolved significantly over the past half-century, as internal and external threats changed.

Jordanian special operations forces evolved from a multi-task company-size parachute unit in the early 1960s to brigade-size in the early 1980s, with more specialized units, including a parachute unit, special forces unit and a small counter-terrorism unit.

With the beginning of this century and the emergence of new threats to national security, Jordan established paramilitary troops—the Gendarmerie. The new military force was, and remains, tasked with countering homeland security threats, thus allowing the Special Operations Forces to focus on homeland defense threats.Therefore, the concept changed accordingly, from special operations to joint special operations.

The previous organization of the Royal Joint Special Operations consisted mainly of three main brigades with all standard support and service units that facilitate operations and training.


 * The Special Forces Brigade consists of a special forces group, a counter-terrorism battalion and a combat search-and-rescue battalion. This brigade is mainly equipped and trained to successfully fight unconventional threats, with a good capability to also face conventional ones.
 * The Rangers Brigade is more geared towards fighting conventional threats, with good capabilities to support internal security operations.
 * The Special Operations Aviation Brigade provides the joint task forces with mobility, timely response capabilities and insertion platforms, especially for the counter-terrorism teams.

2017 JSOC Reform
In the summer of 2017, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of JAF, Lieutenant General Mahmoud Freihat, launched a package of reforms across JAF—many of which appear to be driven by budgetary constraints. The reforms included specific initiatives that could significantly change the shape of the Jordanian special operations community.

The first measure deactivated JORSOCOM headquarters and downgraded the highest-ranking special forces commander from a major general to a colonel-rank officer. The second measure transitioned the 28th Royal Ranger Brigade out of special operations and integrated it with the regular army as a rapid response brigade.

The third initiative similarly mandated the transition of the 5th Aviation Brigade out of special operations command to the Jordanian air force. The brigade has been supported by the U.S. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, which carries out quarterly reviews of their Jordanian counterparts. The level of U.S. oversight and support for this brigade has made it one of the most effective elements of Jordanian special forces. While the brigade’s aircraft and pilots now fall under air force control, the brigade will play a direct support role to Jordanian special forces.

The result of reforms is to condense a three-brigade Joint Special Operations Command down to a single army-specific group—known as the King Abdullah II Royal Special Operation Forces Group—with most support elements, including administration and logistics, stripped away. At the heart of the new group are the 101st and the 71st battalions, which were converted into Special Unit I—special operations—and Special Unit II—counterterrorism.

JSOC Objectives before the reform


The Jordanian JSOC tasks before the reform in 2017, the reform which will clarify the objectives of the Jordanian special forces and articulate a vision for the role of special forces in future counter-terrorism operations.

Tactical Tasks: Security 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.
 * 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.

Current Organizational structure



 * SF-Brigade-small.png Special Forces
 * Group Command HQ
 * Special Unit I — Special Operations
 * Unit Objectives: Special Reconnaissance, Direct Action, Tunnel Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance and Combat Search and Rescue.
 * Special Unit II — Counter-Terrorism
 * Unit Objectives: Counter-terrorism and Urban Warfare
 * Protection Unit
 * Training and Development Center

The Special Forces Group is supported by the Rapid Intervention / High Readiness Brigade which was formed in 2014.

There are Similar Units to the Special Operations Units like the Special Gendarmerie's Unit 14 (SWAT unit) & Special Police's Unit 30 (SWAT unit). 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.

KASOTC
The King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) is indeed a one-of-a-kind facility in the region. It was conceived to be a training hub for elite forces, law enforcement and counter-terrorism operators not only in the region, but worldwide. KASOTC offers trainees a unique opportunity to gain experience and knowledge, and to interact with similar forces from other countries, which will create a pool of highly qualified professionals who can meet the challenges of cross-borders threats.

The center’s instructors come from all over the world and were carefully selected in light of their very strong qualifications and solid experience, which is a tremendous asset to all those who participate in training at KASOTC.

KASOTC derives extraordinary success from this unique combination of elite instructors and advanced technology. When knowledge is combined with experience, a maximizing effect occurs to skills obtained, making the KASOTC experience unique to all other training facilities. It is the only reality-based, live-fire training facility of this kind in the world. Operated as a commercial enterprise, it is uniquely integrated with the Jordanian Armed Forces. This relationship is a bold innovation; providing access to military equipment and support that expands all training horizons.

Located north of Amman, Jordan in an old rock quarry, the twenty-five (25) square kilometer facility is safe, secure and isolated. It is equipped with multiple distance ranges; from a 1300-meter unknown distance range to a 300-meter, moving target range to accommodate most firearm requirements. It has a four story, close quarters battle (CQB), live-fire structure and the largest mock city in existence, 67 buildings, which include numerous arrangements from an Afghan village to an embassy. Special battlefield effects, live fire compatible throughout, with a fiber optic network connecting the Range Operations Control Center (ROC) to the hundreds of cameras, microphones, target systems, and simulators make testing the user's creativity in tactics, techniques and procedures a reality. Together with on-site lodging, dining, gym, pro-shop, weapons/equipment rental and storage; people can easily see why KASOTC is the ideal place to do what in necessary to prepare forces for the challenges of 21st century armed conflict.

Prince Hashem School for Special Operations
In 2017, the school transferred from special forces to Army Training Command.

Mission

To train and qualify officers and NCOs from JAF, Arab and Friendly countries on RNG/ARBN and Special Operations.

School History

The school went through the following key phases in terms of organization and development
 * in 1963 The first ranger and airborne course was trained by American training team and Ranger and Airborne training wing was established in infantry school.
 * In 1970 Ranger and Airborne training wing was established in RSF.
 * In 1979 Special forces school was formed and continued to evolve until 1983, where four were formed.
 * In 1983 Four training wings (ranger, airborne, specialization and field) were established.
 * In 1995 The organization was advanced with a new battalions system and free fall center was added.
 * On 1 October 1996 the name has been modified and was called "Joint Special Operations School."
 * On 24/12/2001 special operations school was renamed Prince Hashem bin Al Hussein School for Special Operations.
 * In 2017, the school transferred from special forces to Army Training Command.

School Goals and Duties


 * 1) The preparation and training of special operations officers on Common functions.
 * 2) The preparation and training of joint special operations commissioned officers.
 * 3) The preparation and training of juvenile soldiers basic training and specialist training.
 * 4) The preparation and training of members of the armed forces through special training.
 * 5) Training of Public security, civil defense, customs and General Intelligence personnel.
 * 6) Training members of friendly States on rangers and paratroopers and other special forces works.
 * 7) The training of graduates of University officers (field) in addition to the pupils and candidates from Mutah University on rangers and paratroopers.
 * 8) Participate in the testing of new weapons and gear mechanisms and sufficiency of Joint special operations duties.
 * 9) Conduct annual tests for units and formations Joint special operations and the armed forces.

School Courses


 * 1) Platoon Commander’s Basic Tactics Course
 * 2) English Language Training Course For Officers/NCO
 * 3) Ranger Course
 * 4) Ranger and Airborne Instruction Course
 * 5) Airborne Course
 * 6) Air Assault Course
 * 7) Fighting In Built Up Areas and Internal Security
 * 8) Hand To Hand Fighting (Sejal)
 * 9) Marksmanship and Range Management Course
 * 10) Special Operations Selection Course (officers and other ranks)
 * 11) Section and Group Commanders
 * 12) Packing And Parachute Maintenance
 * 13) Free Fall Course
 * 14) Jump Masters Course
 * 15) Pathfinders Course
 * 16) Airborne Infiltration Course
 * 17) Strategic Reconnaissance Course

SOF Recruiting
Enrollment in the Jordan armed forces is on a voluntary basis, and this is obviously also true for the special operations. The first requirement for those willing to join the special operations is that they should successfully pass physical and mental fitness tests.

From a psychological point of view, applicants are evaluated by a military psychologist in order to assess their personal and leadership traits. Then, applicants undergo a medical screening and an initial PT test. Those who make it through this preliminary selection phase are admitted to an endurance camp (boot camp) for a month of extensive training. The camp is designed to test trainees’ ability to work under physical and mental stress.

Upon completing the camp, recruits take ranger and parachute courses. After this second phase, they are sent to specialized courses to complete their military professional training.

Training Courses
Training Courses Obtained By Special Operations Operator

Small Arms

 * HK416 A5 - 5.56×45mm assault rifle
 * HK417 - 7.62×51mm Battle rifle.
 * Heckler & Koch G36 - 5.56×45mm assault rifle, the Jordanian Special Operations Forces employ the G36C.
 * M4 carbine - 5.56×45mm assault rifle
 * Heckler & Koch MP5 - 9×19mm Submachine gun
 * Heckler & Koch UMP - 9×19mm Submachine gun
 * Heckler & Koch MP7 - 4.6×30mm Submachine gun
 * Barrett M82A1 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * Barrett M95 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * Accuracy International AS50 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * McMillan Tac-50 - 12.7×99mm sniper rifle
 * L115A3 - .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle
 * SIG Sauer SIG50 - .50 BMG Anti-materiel 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

 * Minimi - 5.56×45mm light machine gun
 * FN MAG - 7.62×51mm machine gun
 * M240 machine gun - 7.62×51mm machine gun
 * M60E3 Machine Gun - 7.62×51mm machine gun
 * Browning M2HB - 12.7×99mm machine gun
 * Milkor MGL - 40mm grenade grenade launcher
 * 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
 * M224 mortar - Mortar

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
 * Leica CRF-1200 - Laser rangefinder
 * Vectronix PLRF - Laser rangefinder

Transport

 * ATK AC-295M - Gunship Aircraft modified by ATK
 * ATK AC-235 - Gunship Aircraft modified by ATK
 * UH-60L Black Hawk - Utility helicopter
 * MD 530F - Light multi-role helicopter
 * Cougar HE 6x6 - MRAP
 * RG-33L 6x6 - MRAP
 * International MaxxPro - MRAP
 * HMMWV - Light Utility Vehicle
 * Al-Tha’lab (Fox) - Long Range Patrol Vehicle
 * LTATV - All-terrain vehicle
 * Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles

Uniforms
Special Forces Group wear MultiCam, Maroon berets. Some Special Unit II teams wear Full Black Pattern.

Insignia


King Abdullah II Special Forces Group Insignia