The Hashemites and the Arab Army…a historic partnership in building and protecting the state
The Great Arab Revolt…a narrative of a homeland rooted in history
On June 10 of each year, Jordanians celebrate two national occasions firmly established in the conscience of the state and society: the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt and Army Day, where the meanings of pride and pride are renewed in a history of sacrifices and heroism that contributed to building the modern Jordanian state and preserving its security and stability, and recalling the journey of a homeland whose renaissance was linked to a Hashemite leadership that carried the message and principles of the revolution, and an Arab army that has always remained a symbol of pride, dignity, and the strength of the homeland.
This occasion constitutes a national milestone that recalls bright pages of the history of the Arab nation, when the Great Arab Revolt was launched on June 10, 1916, under the leadership of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, may God rest his soul, carrying a liberal renaissance project based on the values of freedom, unity, and human dignity, seeking to liberate the Arabs from the policies of Turkification, injustice, and marginalization, reviving the inclusive Arab identity, and enhancing confidence in the nation’s ability to create its future.
The Great Arab Revolt was a historical turning point in the modern march of the Arabs, as it was not just a military movement, but rather represented an integrated intellectual and civilizational project that carried the banner of the Arab Renaissance and established a new phase of national consciousness. From the womb of that revolution, the path of the modern Jordanian state began, which carried the banner of renaissance and established its principles in the state’s institutions and its national path.
In 1917, the name Arab Army was given to the forces of the Great Arab Revolt, and this name became the title of a long process of struggle, giving, and sacrifice. Years later, the Jordanian Arab Army carried the same message as the natural extension of the Great Arab Revolution and the faithful heir to its principles and values based on faith, freedom, justice, dignity, and loyalty to the homeland and the nation.
The Jordanian Arab Army was established in 1921 to coincide with the founding of the modern Jordanian state and the formation of the first Jordanian government on April 11 of the same year. Its first nucleus was formed from trained and fighting forces that participated in the operations of the Great Arab Revolt within the organization of the Eastern Army led by Prince Abdullah bin Al-Hussein. It also included an elite group of Arab officers who acquired extensive military experience during their service in the Ottoman army before joining the forces of the Great Arab Revolt, which contributed to consolidating the professional and professional character of the Jordanian military institution from its beginnings.
With the declaration of the first independence of the state under the name of the Government of the Arab East on May 25, 1923, the army bore the name “Arab Army,” becoming an essential pillar in the process of building the state, protecting its gains, and defending the issues of the Arab nation. Since its establishment, the Arab Army has been closely linked to the path of the modern Jordanian state. It was present at various stages of national construction and contributed to consolidating security and stability, protecting borders, and preserving national achievements. His role was not limited to military and security duties, but rather extended to include contributing to national development, serving local communities, and supporting citizens in exceptional circumstances, emergencies, and natural disasters.
From the womb of the Great Arab Revolt, the modern Jordanian state was born, led by the Hashemites, who carried its message and preserved its principles. From His Majesty the founding King Abdullah I Ibn Al-Hussein, who laid the foundations of the state and its national institutions, to His Majesty King Talal Ibn Abdullah, whose reign was linked to the approval of the Jordanian Constitution, passing through the late King Hussein Ibn Talal, the builder of modern Jordan and the leader of the process of development and modernization, all the way to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein, who is leading the Kingdom today towards greater progress, prosperity and political, economic and administrative modernization.
Throughout its history, the Jordanian Armed Forces – the Arab Army has received continuous care and attention from the Hashemite leadership, out of belief in its pivotal role in protecting the homeland and preserving its security and stability. Over the past decades, the military institution has witnessed advanced stages of development and modernization in various organizational, operational, training and armament fields, which has enhanced its readiness and ability to face various challenges and changes.
The decision to Arabize the leadership of the Arab Army, taken by the late King Hussein bin Talal, is a turning point in the history of the Jordanian Armed Forces, as it strengthened the independence of the national military decision, consolidated the national identity of the military institution, and paved the way for a new beginning towards greater professionalism, efficiency, and reliance on national capabilities.
Throughout its long history, the Arab Army fought battles of honor and heroism in defense of the homeland and the nation, and its members wrote shining pages of sacrifice and redemption on the land of Palestine since 1948, where they presented immortal examples of steadfastness and valor. This march culminated in the immortal Victory of Dignity in 1968, which constituted a milestone in modern Arab military history, and restored the Arab nation’s confidence in its ability to withstand and prevail in the face of challenges.
The mission of the Jordanian Armed Forces also went beyond the limits of traditional military duty, as it participated in many international peacekeeping missions and humanitarian and relief operations in various parts of the world, becoming a global model of professionalism, discipline and humanitarian commitment, and reflecting the bright image of Jordan and the message of moderation and cooperation that it carries.
During the reign of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Armed Forces witnessed a qualitative shift in the areas of modernization and military development, in line with the requirements of the times and emerging security challenges. The comprehensive structural transformation project directed by His Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces aimed to build a modern, modern and flexible army, capable of dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats, and keeping pace with rapid developments in modern military operations environments.
The modernization operations included various types of armed forces, as they were equipped with the latest armament, reconnaissance, surveillance, communications and information technology systems, in addition to developing border protection systems using advanced electronic means, radars, drones and electronic warfare technologies, ensuring an increased level of readiness and operational efficiency.
In the same context, the national role of His Royal Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, is highlighted, as he is keen on continuous field communication with members of the Jordanian Armed Forces – the Arab Army, and embodies, through his permanent presence among them, a deep appreciation for their sacrifices and their national mission. His Highness also continues his efforts to empower youth, enhance their participation in the process of construction and modernization, and consolidate the values of belonging, responsibility, work, and giving.
Army Day is also an occasion to commemorate the heroism of the martyrs who gave their lives in defense of the homeland and its elevation, and with their pure blood wrote eternal pages in the record of Jordanian glory. It also represents an opportunity to honor military retirees and veterans who have contributed through decades of loyal service to building the military institution and consolidating its national standing.
In light of the rapid transformations and challenges that the region and the world are witnessing, the Arab Army continues to carry out its national mission with competence and ability, based on a solid doctrine based on loyalty to God, the nation, and the Hashemite leadership, and on a long legacy of honor, sacrifice, and discipline, which enhances Jordanians’ confidence in the ability of their national institutions to protect the Kingdom’s security and stability and preserve its gains.
Thus, the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt and Army Day intertwine in the Jordanian conscience to form together a national narrative rooted in history and extending towards the future, whose title is loyalty to the Hashemite message and belief in the values of renaissance, freedom and dignity. It is the story of a nation that achieved its glory through sacrifices, work, and construction, and is guarded by an Arab army that remained loyal to its oath and the message of the founding fathers, so that Jordan remains an oasis of security and stability and a beacon of honor and pride for successive generations.
