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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Brigade
( لواء الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان التدخل السريع )
Emblem of the QRF Brigade & subordinate battalions
Active2014 - present
CountryJordan
BranchRoyal Jordanian Army
TypeQuick reaction force
RoleSpecial Operations
Direct Action
Special Reconnaissance
Search and rescue
SizeClassified
Part ofSpecial Operations & Quick Reaction Force
Garrison/HQZarqa, Ajloun & Ma'an (Humeima)
Nickname(s)QRF, Desert Falcon
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Ra'ad Dora

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.[1]

In November, 2018 the brigade was renamed the "Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Rapid Intervention/High Readiness Brigade". Naming the brigade after the UAE crown prince was 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.[2][3]

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.[3]

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.[3] The Brigade has its own Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTACs).

Brigade Objectives
  • Direct and Indirect Action Operations Inside and Outside the Kingdom.
  • Border Area Operations.
  • Assist and Support King Abdullah II Special Forces Group.
  • Internal Security Operations.
  • Humanitarian Assistance Operations (Refugees - Civil Affairs).

Organizational structure[4]
  • Brigade Command HQ
    • Command Staff
    • Signal Company
    • Female Engagement Platoon
    • 105mm Mobile Artillery Company (M119 howitzer)
    • Special Engineer Company
    • Combat Service Support Company
    • Brigade Maintenance Unit
    • Medical Support Center
  • 61st Quick Reaction Force Battalion (Raiders)
    • Attached to Southern Command
    • The unit is specialized in Direct & In-direct Actions, Mountain Warfare, Advanced CSAR, Special Reconnaissance, Airborne, Air-assault & Maritime Operations.
  • 81st Quick Reaction Force Battalion
    • Attached to Northern Command
    • The unit is specialized in Direct & In-direct Actions, Jungle Warfare, Reconnaissance, Airborne, Air-assault & Maritime Operations.
  • 91st Quick Reaction Force Battalion
    • Attached to Central Command
    • The unit is specialized in Direct & In-direct Actions, Desert Warfare, Special JTAC, Airborne, Air-assault & Maritime Operations.
  • Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer (SAVT) Center.
    • Designed to train JTAC’s, Mortar teams, the SAVT provides a fully immersive environment in which virtual aircraft come to life in a large domed building.
  • Brigade Training Center

References
  1. Lang, Hardin; Wechsler, William; Awadallah, Alia. "The Future of U.S.-Jordanian Counterterrorism Cooperation". Center for American Progress.
  2. "Rapid intervention brigade named after Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed". Jordan Times. November 21, 2018.
  3. "Janes | Latest defence and security news". Janes.com.
  4. "Janes | Latest defence and security news".
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