Jordanian Central Command

The Jordanian Central Command (Arabic: المنطقة العسكرية الوسطى) is the regional command of the Jordanian Armed Forces tasked with overseeing the primary front against Israel.

History
The Central Command was established as part of a significant army reorganization in 1977. Its units were transferred from the former 4th Mechanized Division, which was disbanded. Presently, the command's units are stationed from the Zarqa River, north of as-Salt, to the Dead Sea, safeguarding Jordan's border with Israel. In 2000, King Abdullah II initiated further restructuring of the Jordanian Armed Forces, transforming the remaining divisions into lighter, more mobile forces. These forces adopted a primarily brigade-based structure, enhancing their ability to respond rapidly to emergencies.

The former 4th Mechanised Division was positioned westward, covering the sector from the Dead Sea to the Zarqa River north of Salt. The Jordan Valley, acting as the natural boundary between the two countries along this sector, features a rugged, winding terrain. Additionally, the line of hills to the east of the valley offers a natural defensive position for Jordanian forces.

Jordanian forces have strategically avoided deploying in the Jordan Valley itself, where they could be susceptible to Israeli air power and artillery. Instead, they occupy positions on the heights above the valley, strategically positioned to impede any enemy advancement along the routes leading to the central plateau and major cities. Several surfaced roads ascend to the top of the escarpment, situated approximately 800 to 1,200 meters above the valley floor. However, a well-entrenched force could effectively deter any enemy attempt to advance along these routes, albeit at significant cost.

The Central Command has played a pivotal role in various conflicts, including the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the Six-Day War in 1967, the Battle of Karameh, the War of Attrition, and the confrontation against the Syrian army during the Black September event.

In 2018, two armored brigades (40th and 60th) and several other units were transferred from the deactivated 3rd Armored Division to the Central Command.

Organisation
The Central Command oversees regional units spanning from the Dead Sea to the Zarqa River north of Salt, Jordan. Currently, Brigadier General Adnan Ahmed Al-Raqqad serves as the head of the Central Command.



Central Command HQ

 * Command Staff
 * HQ Defense Company
 * Command Communication Group
 * Command Military Police

Border Guard Force (BGF)

 * 3rd Border Guard Force Battalion

Combat & Maneuver Units

 * Royal Guard 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade
 * Brigade HQ
 * Command Staff
 * Joint Fires Coordination Cell - Targeting Cell
 * Signal Company
 * Medical Center
 * Vehicles & Weapons Maintenance Workshop
 * Chemical Support Platoon (Attached)
 * JTAC Team
 * 1st Royal Armored Battalion (M60A3)
 * Royal Guard 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (M113A2 MK1)
 * Royal Guard 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (M113A2 MK1)
 * 17th Field Artillery Battalion (M109A3)
 * 62nd Field Air Defense Battalion (Shilka,Strela-10,Igla)
 * Anti-Armor Company (Kornet-E)
 * Al Hashemi 51st Mechanized Infantry Brigade
 * Brigade HQ
 * Command Staff
 * Joint Fires Coordination Cell - Targeting Cell
 * Signal Company
 * Medical Center
 * Vehicles & Weapons Maintenance Workshop
 * Chemical Support Platoon (Attached)
 * JTAC Team
 * King Ghazi 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (YPR-765 pri)
 * Prince Mohammad 9th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (M113A2 MK1)
 * Hashemite 10th Mechanized Infantry Battalion (YPR-765 pri)
 * 9th Field Artillery Battalion (M109A3)
 * 61st Field Air Defense Battalion (Shilka,Strela-10,Igla)
 * Anti-Armor Company (Kornet-E)
 * King Hussein 40th Armored Brigade
 * Brigade HQ
 * Command Staff
 * Joint Fires Coordination Cell - Targeting Cell
 * Signal Company
 * Medical Center
 * Vehicles & Weapons Maintenance Workshop
 * Chemical Support Platoon (Attached)
 * JTAC Team
 * Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II 1st Armored Infantry Battalion (Marder 1A3)
 * 2nd Royal Tank Battalion (Leclerc)
 * Prince Ali bin Al Hussein 4th Tank Battalion (Leclerc)
 * King Ali 5th Armored Infantry Battalion (Marder 1A3)
 * 7th Field Artillery Battalion (M109A3)
 * 4th Field Air Defense Battalion (Shilka,Strela-10,Igla)
 * Anti-Armor Company (M901 ITV)
 * Prince Hassan 60th Wheeled Armored Brigade
 * Brigade HQ
 * Command Staff
 * Joint Fires Coordination Cell - Targeting Cell
 * Signal Company
 * Medical Center
 * Vehicles & Weapons Maintenance Workshop
 * Chemical Support Platoon (Attached)
 * JTAC Team
 * Royal Guard 3rd Wheeled Infantry Battalion (RG-33L)
 * 3rd "Scorpion" Royal Tank Battalion (B1 Centauro)
 * 5th "Elephant" Royal Tank Battalion (B1 Centauro)
 * 23rd Field Artillery Battalion (M109A3)[1]
 * 73rd Field Air Defense Battalion (Shilka,Strela-10,Igla)
 * Anti-Armor Company (M901 ITV)

Combat Support Units

 * Central Command Artillery [2]
 * Command Artillery HQ
 * STA Company
 * Prince Hashim 20th Heavy Artillery Battalion (M110A2)
 * 4th Field Air Defense Brigade [2]
 * Brigade HQ
 * Signal Company
 * Command Engineer Battalion
 * 4 Mechanized Engineer Companies [3]
 * General Support Company

Service Support Units

 * Supply and Transport Battalion
 * 4 Supply & Transport Companies [3]
 * Command Maintenance Group
 * Medical Support Group
 * Administrative Transport Group

Command Training Center
Notes:
 * M109A3 will be replaced by truck-mounted artillery.
 * Subordinate battalions are attached to combat brigades.
 * Each company supports a brigade.