Jordanian Eastern Command
| Jordanian Eastern Command المنطقة العسكرية الشرقية | |
|---|---|
|
Eastern Command Shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active |
1970 – 2000 (5th Armd. Div.) 2000 – present |
| Country | Jordan |
| Branch | Royal Jordanian Army |
| Type | Mechanized Infantry |
| Role | Multi Role |
| Size | 13,000 - 15,000 (2012 est.) |
| Garrison/HQ | Mafraq, Ruwaished, Zarqa |
| Colors | KA2 Desert Digital |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier General Ismail Al-Shoubaki |
The Jordanian Eastern Command (Arabic:المنطقة العسكرية الشرقية) is the Jordanian Armed Forces regional command responsible for the North - East front against Syria and Iraq.
History
Since major restructuring in 1977, the Royal Jordanian Army has kept the Eastern Command (formerly known as 5th Armoured Division)[1] deployed between the Iraqi border and Ar Ramtha on the Syrian border with some presence in Zarqa.[2] But in 2000, King Abdullah II made a big step to modernize and restructure Jordanian Armed Forces when the Divisions have been transformed into a lighter, more mobile forces, based largely on a brigade structure and considered better capable of rapid reaction in emergencies.[3][4]
Jordanian forces traditionally maintained a defensive posture along this sector. A number of major roads link Jordan and Syria in this region, crossing undulating terrain with no natural obstacles. The important air base at Mafraq are less than 20 km from the border with Syria and are therefore vulnerable to surprise attack or artillery bombardment. As a result, Jordanian forces traditionally paid particular attention to their defenses in this region. The Sector from Ramtha to the Iraqi border was covered by the Eastern Command (5th Armoured Division).[2][5]
This command was involved in many conflicts and engagements, including the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition (and its Battle of Karameh) and war against the Syrian army during Black September.
Organisation
The Eastern Command commands regional units from Ar Ramtha and Mafraq to the Iraqi border with some units based in Zarqa. The Eastern command commander is Brigadier General Ismail Al-Shoubaki.
Units
- Eastern Command HQ
- Command & Control & Communication Group
- Command Defense Company
- Combat & Maneuver Units
- Royal Guard 2nd Mechanized Brigade
- Brigade HQ
- Signal Company
- Royal Guard 4th Mechanized Battalion
- Royal Guard 6th Mechanized Battalion
- Prince Faisal 17th Tank Battalion
- SP Artillery Battalion (Attached from Command Artillery)
- Weapons and Services Battalion
- Medical Center
- Brigade Maintenance Workshop
- Martyr King Abdullah I 90th Mechanized Brigade
- Brigade HQ
- Signal Company
- Hussien 2nd Mechanized Battalion
- Princess Basma 3rd Mechanized Battalion
- Field Reconnaissance Battalion (Army Eyes)
- SP Artillery Battalion (Attached from Command Artillery)
- Weapons and Services Battalion
- Medical Center
- Brigade Maintenance Workshop
- Royal Guard 2nd Mechanized Brigade
- Combat Support Units
- Command Artillery
- Command Artillery HQ
- 1st SP Artillery Battalion (18 x M109A2/3)
- 5th SP Artillery Battalion (18 x M109A2/3)
- SP Artillery Battalion (18 x M109A2/3)
- Heavy SP Artillery Battalion (16 x M110A2)
- 5th Field AD Brigade
- Brigade HQ
- 5th Field AD Battalion
- 81st Field AD Battalion
- 82nd Field AD Battalion
- Command Engineer Battalion
- Command Artillery
- Service Support Units
- Administrative Transport Group
- Command Construction Group
- Command Maintenance Group
- Medical Support Group
- Supply and Transport Battalion
- Command Training School
Unit summary
References
- ↑ http://orbat.com/site/cwa/2010/asia/west%20asia/jordan.pdf
- 1 2 http://www.gloria-center.org/meria/2001/06/bligh.pdf
- ↑ IISS Military Balance 2004–2005, p.127-128
- ↑ Rubin, Barry M; Keaney, Thomas A (2002). "Armed Forces in the Middle East: Politics and Strategy". ISBN 9780714652559.
- ↑ http://ihracat.ssm.gov.tr/TR/Documents/sofex2008/Mart%202008_%20Turkiye%20Urdun%20SSI%20Bilgi%20Notu.PDF