Jordan's Royal Military Academy, of which King Hussein is patron, is the basis of Jordan's modern army. Officer cadets are trained for operational field combat, and are finally graduated into units of the country army in an establishment which has become almost vital to Jordanian's defence.
The Academy was founded in 1956, although it was functioning as a cadets schools before 1960. Cadets learn the basic methods of a military career, as well as science, Hebrew language, mathematics and Islamic culture. Some of the graduating second lieutenants--the rank the cadets finally achieve from the Academy--go on to University to further their studies, while the remainder are posted to operational units.
This Film, from Visnews cameraman Ayyub Mirza, shows the Academy life and the ??? training.
SYNOPSIS: The Jordanian Royal Military Academy, where cadet officers of the Jordanian Army are trained for combat duty after a two-year course. It was founded in 1950 as a cadet school, and was renamed the Royal Military Academy in 1956, under the patronisation of King Hussein. The cadets undergo a strenuous training programme, lasting almost two years before they graduate.
Despite the emphasis on physical fitness, the directors of the Academy also place stress on the intellectual points of military training. The cadets are lectured in general science, mathematics, the Hebrew language, Islamic culture and psychology. The Academy caters for about 500 cadets, who are instructed by 45 officers and 50 non-commissioned-officers. A high standard of physical fitness is demanded, and the potential officers are put through rigorous schedules.
After receiving general infantry training at the Academy, the cadets are passed on to specialist schools, where they learn basic skills of radio, artillery, commando operations, armoured division tactics or perhaps parachuting. Most of the young officers here are made to complete at least five jumps, and many become full members of the Jordanian commando groups. Besides young Jordanians, the Academy trains cadets from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
The traditional passing-out ceremony is presided over by the patron, King Hussein. Since its inception in 1956, the Academy has placed more than 100 officers in combat units of the Jordanian Army. Under King Hussein's instruction the Academy has been modernised. The new buildings date back to 1962, but more improvements are planned. Many Jordanians see the Academy as the vital link between the people and the armed forces, and it has proved its worth since its opening.