The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966

The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966: A Historical Study of Its Origin, Development, and Role"

by Laith Sabah Zaytoon Al-Khazoon

The book "The Jordanian National Guard between 1950-1966: A Historical Study of Its Origin, Development, and Role" was authored by Laith Sabah Zaytoon Al-Khazoon and published by the Royal Hashemite Documentation Center in 2021. This study, part of the University Theses Series (2), earned the author a Master's degree in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Jordan in 2020.

The study begins with an introduction, followed by an analysis of key sources and references, a preliminary section, four chapters, and a conclusion. The first chapter discusses the inception of the National Guard in 1950, the factors contributing to its formation, its organization and deployment in both the West and East Banks of Jordan, and its role in protecting the armistice lines against Israel. It also covers the financial aspects and the internal and external support provided to the Guard, including that from the Jordanian government and some Arab countries.

The second chapter details the Guard's operational role in repelling Israeli aggressions and protecting frontline villages in the West Bank from 1950 to 1960, highlighting local and Arab reactions to these incursions and the resulting financial support for the Guard.

In the third chapter, the focus shifts to the effect of the Arabization of the army's command on the support the Guard received from Arab countries, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. This support included financial aid, weapons, and equipment. The chapter also examines the Israeli aggressions from 1956 to 1966 and the Guard's response, culminating in the enactment of the National Service Law in late November 1966, which ended the Guard's responsibilities in the West Bank.

The fourth chapter discusses the general impact of the establishment of the National Guard, including volunteering and enrollment, as well as the financial and material contributions of the Jordanian society from both banks.

For this study, the author consulted various sources, including official documents, letters, and telegrams between relevant ministries and the Arab Army's command, housed in the National Library. Parliamentary records from 1950 to 1966, personal memoirs of Jordanian military figures who experienced the formation of the Guard, Jordanian newspapers from that era, and personal interviews with individuals who served in the Guard provided additional insights. The study also benefited from Arab references discussing this historical period and the role of the Jordanian National Guard.
 

The publications from the Hashemite Documentation Center are not translated into English. Institutions and publishing houses interested in publishing a translated version should contact the center at the following email address: Info@rhdc.jo. This offers an opportunity for broader access to these valuable historical resources for non-Arabic speaking audiences and researchers.