Saudi Arabian Army

In the mid-18th century, shortly after its establishment, the Saudi state lacked a formalized, modern army as seen in contemporary military structures. Instead, defense and military actions were conducted through a “Jihad Army,” mobilized upon the directive of the ruling Imam through a process of general mobilization. Historian Ibn Bishr notes that during the rule of Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz, the mobilization of the Jihad Army was achieved by dispatching envoys across towns, villages, and tribal areas under Saudi control, calling upon local forces to assemble. This collective approach allowed the Saudi state to respond to threats and expand its influence, relying on a call-to-arms system rather than a standing army.^[13]

During the era of the Imams, the Saudi military organization could mobilize an estimated force of approximately 100,000 fighters, drawn from various regions and equipped with essential arms and supplies. This number included contributions from nomadic Bedouin tribes, who were required to provide a contingent of roughly 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers. However, the Saudi state lacked formal military training institutions; instead, fighters relied on personal skills, including swordsmanship, thrusting, and horsemanship, forming the core of their capabilities.

Saudi forces were divided into infantry, cavalry, and camel-mounted troops. Combat operations relied on valor and numerical strength rather than structured training or systematic combat techniques. Despite the limited formal training, Saudi fighters excelled in desert warfare, demonstrating resilience in enduring its challenges. Weaponry was traditional and basic, comprising matchlock rifles, swords, daggers, arrows, and spears. Tactics involved surprise attacks, ambushes, sieges, and hit-and-run maneuvers, focusing on adaptability in battle.

Saudi soldiers did not receive fixed salaries; instead, their compensation came from war spoils distributed following a victorious campaign. The state claimed one-fifth of the spoils for

the treasury, while the remaining four-fifths were sold and divided among soldiers, with cavalry members receiving double the shares of foot soldiers. Troops remained mobilized until directed to return to their homelands by the supreme commander. Additionally, permanent garrisons served as local security forces, rotating annually to maintain order. A dedicated personal guard protected the Imam, his successor, and other princes.^[14]

The Saudi Arabian Army, formally founded on 5 Shawwal 1319 AH (January 15, 1902), began with King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud's campaign to reclaim Riyadh. This moment marked the establishment of a formal military structure as the founder prioritized the organization, leadership, and armament of the Saudi Land Forces.

Before the official declaration of the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia began developing administrative and military frameworks that would shape the foundation of its national defense. By late December 1925 (1344 AH), the administrative core of the Saudi Army was established with the creation of the Army General Staff in Taif. The primary units formed at this time included the Infantry Regiment, Artillery Regiment, and Machine Gun Regiment.

The Defense Agency and the Military Department were responsible for organizing the army’s structures, standardizing military institutions, and assigning them roles in line with modern organizational standards. Taif was selected as the agency’s headquarters due to its established military presence, conducive climate for training, and available military barracks. Emphasizing education and training, the military school in Taif became central to developing a skilled officer corps, setting the stage for the Saudi Army's future expansion and modernization.

 

The Royal Saudi Land Forces Command, one of the oldest institutions within the Saudi Arabian Army, was initially known as the "Army Administration." In its formative years, prior to 1391 AH (1971), it comprised a command office along with various departments that handled essential functions such as personnel planning and budgeting, military records, military affairs, war police, army music, medical services, civilian personnel matters, and a military trials court and prison located in Riyadh.

 

In 1391 AH, the Army Management Authority underwent a reorganization, which resulted in a more streamlined structure consisting of a command office, a personnel planning department, a civilian personnel affairs department, a religious affairs department, a general medical services department, and a war police department. By 1396 AH, as the structure of the Land Forces became more formalized, the name of the authority was modified to reflect its evolving responsibilities. It was expanded to include a command office and specialized departments for personnel matters, military affairs, and personnel planning and classification, as well as a center for receiving and recruiting new recruits in Riyadh and a technical institute for the Land Forces. This authority remains responsible for overseeing personnel, staff affairs, military records, and related military matters.

 

The Royal Saudi Land Forces Operations Authority is tasked with the training, planning, and operational oversight of the land forces. Its initial formation, established in 1381 AH (1961), was known as the "War Operations Authority." This organization included three key departments: the Organization and Armament Department, the Military Training Department, and the Plans and Operations Department. In 1397 AH (1977), the name was changed to the "Land Forces Operations Authority." Subsequently, in 1411 AH (1991), the authority expanded to include an Operations Center and a Sports Affairs Department, the latter of which had previously operated as a section within the Land Forces Training Department.

Moreover, a Language School was established, which was later renamed the Military Language Institute. Initially, the War Operations Authority was affiliated with the Army Schools Command, but this command was eventually abolished. The Culture and Education Administration, responsible for educational institutions serving the children of military personnel, transitioned into an independent entity within the armed forces. Additionally, the authority incorporated a Physical Education School located in Taif, established in 1375 AH (1955), which was eventually dissolved, with its functions integrated into the Center and School for Paratroopers and Special Forces in 1398 AH (1978).

The Royal Saudi Land Forces Supply and Logistics Authority, previously referred to as the "Army Supplies Authority," underwent restructuring with the reorganization of the Land Forces Command, leading to its current designation. The authority encompasses several departments, including the Department of Supply and Logistics Plans for the Land Forces and the Department of Military Supplies Inventory. These departments are responsible for coordinating supply chain operations, managing logistics, and maintaining an inventory of military supplies to support the operational readiness of the Royal Saudi Land Forces.^[15]

The Land Forces Command has several associated departments, including:

• Land Forces Inspectorate Department
• Land Forces Officers Affairs Department
• Land Forces Personnel Management
• Land Forces Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring Department
• Land Forces Internal Procurement Department
• Land Forces Religious Affairs Department
• Land Forces Medical Affairs Department
• Land Forces Finance and Budget Department
• Land Forces Training Department (newly independent from the Operations Department)
• Land Forces Computer Department (Information Technology Department)

 

 

The Military Police of the Royal Saudi Land Forces serve as a crucial component of the armed forces, responsible for maintaining military discipline and enforcing regulations. Their duties encompass overseeing compliance with military orders and protocols, and they possess the authority to take action against military personnel who violate regulations, execute judicial rulings, and manage military prisons.

In addition to their internal enforcement responsibilities, the Military Police work to prevent violations by both military and civilian individuals within areas under military jurisdiction. They are tasked with restricting access to sensitive zones, preventing acts of destruction and sabotage, securing military installations, and managing the movement and protection of military convoys. Collaboration with civil authorities on matters pertaining to the armed forces is also part of their mandate.

In operational theaters, the Military Police function as a combat support unit, contributing to the security of rear areas, overseeing prisoner custody and evacuation, maintaining law and order, and controlling transportation routes and military movements. Their multifaceted role underscores their importance in ensuring the operational effectiveness and discipline of the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The establishment of the first military school in Al-Rass in 1354 AH marked the beginning of an evolution in military education in Saudi Arabia, ultimately leading to the creation of a military college. Initially, this school admitted candidates with educational qualifications below the primary level, with a duration of study set at six months. In 1358 AH, the school relocated to Taif, and after a thorough assessment of its operations, a royal decree was issued on 27 Safar 1374 AH to establish a military college in Riyadh, which was named "King Abdulaziz College." The college officially opened its doors in Jumada al-Awwal 1375 AH (22 December 1955), becoming the first military academic institution in the kingdom.

In response to the increasing educational standards in Saudi Arabia and the growing demand for graduates with diverse specializations, the college raised its admission requirements to the general secondary level in 1380 AH. The study duration was extended to three years, after which graduates were awarded a Bachelor of Military Science and commissioned as officers in one of the branches of the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The college curriculum is structured into military sciences (20.45%), academic sciences (25.34%), and general activities (55.20% for infantry and physical education). Academic subjects are taught by civilian faculty members with advanced degrees, who operate under university regulations.

Eligible candidates for admission include Saudi nationals aged between 17 and 24, holding a secondary school diploma in the scientific track. Applicants must fulfill specific admission criteria, pass a personal interview, and undergo a medical examination. The first graduating class received their Bachelor's degrees in 1382 AH.

To keep pace with advancements in various fields across the kingdom, a new campus for the college was constructed utilizing modern architectural and engineering methods, equipped with contemporary educational and training facilities. The site was strategically chosen for its proximity to Riyadh, overlooking the historically significant town of Al-Uyaynah, where Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab initiated his Salafi call with the support of Prince Muhammad ibn Saud of Diriyah. The transition to the new college buildings was completed in Muharram 1404 AH, with the official inauguration taking place in Sha'ban 1404 AH during a grand ceremony.

 

Throughout history, the infantry soldier has been regarded as a crucial pillar of warfare, particularly during the Islamic period, where infantry played a vital role in the numerous victories achieved during Islamic conquests. As a result, the infantry soldier became a fundamental component of the army and served as the foundational nucleus from which land forces were developed.

The actual inception of the infantry branch can be traced back to the formation of an army consisting of sixty men—akin to what is commonly referred to today as a squad—led by King Abdulaziz Al Saud during the campaign to capture Riyadh on the 5th of Shawwal, 1319 AH.

Armored forces are regarded as one of the most crucial pillars of modern armies due to their firepower, shock resistance, and armor thickness. Over the past eighty years, these forces have undergone developments. The armored branch, or cavalry, has historically paralleled the infantry as an ancient military unit.

 

In the Saudi Arabian Army, the inception of armored forces began in 1348 AH (1929 CE) when King Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered the establishment of the Directorate of Military Affairs, laying the groundwork for the regular Saudi military. By 1353 AH (1934 CE), as the regular forces expanded significantly, the necessity arose to form a Defense Agency alongside the Directorate of Military Affairs. At that time, the army comprised three branches: infantry, artillery, and cavalry, marking the first official formation of armored forces.

The nucleus of the armored branch was established with small armored units based in Taif. The first command of the modern armored forces was officially created on September 1, 1377 AH (1957 CE) under the name of Cavalry Command. This command remained in place until 1387 AH (1967 CE), when a project office was established to oversee the modernization and development of armored units, introducing the latest equipment of the time, including various French weapons. Prince Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz was appointed to manage this office.

On May 1, 1392 AH (1972 CE), the project office was merged with the Cavalry Command, and the name was changed to Armored Forces. In 1411 AH (1991 CE), then Major Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz was tasked with overseeing the development and modernization of armored units, introducing the American M1A2 tank and the Swiss Piranha armored vehicle into service.

Later, he became the commander of the Armored Forces with the rank of Brigadier General, continuing efforts to develop and modernize all units and formations within the Royal Saudi Land Forces. This included equipping them with the latest armored vehicles globally and training officers and personnel in their combat and technical use to keep pace with advancements in the field, ensuring their effectiveness in fulfilling operational missions. The armored branch continues to witness rapid development, benefiting from superior training capabilities and equipment. Since its inception, it has focused on nurturing young leaders by creating training opportunities with the latest equipment both within the Kingdom and abroad.

The Parachute Units and Special Security Forces hold a distinguished status within the Royal Saudi Land Forces, as their members are meticulously selected from an elite group trained to undertake the most challenging and precise missions.

 

Through the battles fought by King Abdulaziz Al Saud to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and unify its territories, he successfully seized several bronze cannons from the Ottoman Empire, which were utilized as artillery pieces rather than organized units or formations. In 1348 AH, His Majesty ordered the establishment of the Directorate of Military Affairs, marking the inception of the first nucleus of the regular Saudi Arabian Army. By 1353 AH, the regular forces had grown sufficiently to necessitate the formation of a Defense Agency alongside the Directorate of Military Affairs, which comprised three branches: Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry.

The Signal Corps plays a crucial role in maintaining and securing communication lines within the land forces, ensuring effective communication for both the General Staff and associated administrations during peacetime and wartime. It is also responsible for developing various communication methods that align with modern military communication technologies on a global scale. The foundation of the Signal Corps can be traced back to the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the reign of its founding king, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

The Royal Saudi Engineers Corps is a vital branch of modern warfare, facilitating the movement of ground forces while impeding enemy operations. Utilizing advanced equipment and technology, the Corps is responsible for constructing bridges, developing roads in rugged mountainous terrain, detecting and clearing contaminated areas, laying minefields, and creating pathways to enable ground forces to achieve their objectives. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli War in 1973 and the liberation of Kuwait in 1990.

The origins of the Engineers Corps date back to approximately 1362 AH (1943 CE) when the Construction Division was established to maintain army buildings, initially based in Taif. In 1366 AH, the division was renamed the Royal Saudi Engineers Corps. By 1374 AH (1954 CE), the Corps was relocated to Riyadh, aligning with the transfer of the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, and became a supporting branch under the Logistics and Supply Department.

In 1375 AH (1955 CE), the first Engineer Regiment was formed in Taif, and in 1380 AH (1960 CE), the Engineers Corps was restructured into a combat support unit, which included the Corps Command, an Engineering Division in Riyadh, the Engineers School in Taif, regional engineer branches, and the Engineer Regiment in Taif. Recognizing the importance of the Engineers Corps in battlefield support, its structure was reviewed in 1386 AH (1966 CE), resulting in the addition of heavy engineering equipment to its field units and companies.

By 1391 AH (1971 CE), several engineer units had been established throughout the Kingdom, including bomb disposal units and firefighting teams. The transition to mechanized units occurred in 1397 AH (1977 CE). In 1402 AH (1982 CE), the Corps began incorporating medium gap bridges, tank transportable bridges, portable road and airport mats, mine-laying equipment, mine detection devices, breach-opening tools, and engineer tanks designed for clearing obstacles and fortifications.

Development of the Corps continued, and in early 1418 AH (1997 CE), a new administration was established to address threats posed by weapons of mass destruction, culminating in the formation of a laboratory dedicated to this purpose at the Logistics and Supply Base in Al-Kharj on 1 Jumada I 1428 AH (18 June 2007 CE). The evolution of the Engineers Corps remains ongoing, with several future projects aimed at enhancing its capabilities to keep pace with advancements in ground forces.

The Maintenance Corps is a vital branch of the Royal Saudi Ground Forces, responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of weapons, equipment, devices, and vehicles under various conditions. Its mandate encompasses preventive maintenance, direct maintenance, general maintenance, and servicing at primary bases, all performed with a focus on high efficiency.

The origins of the Maintenance Corps can be traced back to the reign of King Abdulaziz, which began with small workshops that addressed the needs of the time. In 1369 AH (1949 CE), a new formation was established under the Logistics and Supply Department, known as the Assistant Logistics and Supply Department for Maintenance and Transport. The Transport Corps was subsequently separated from the Maintenance Corps in 1375 AH (1955 CE).

Despite this separation, the Maintenance Corps continued to fulfill its technical responsibilities, particularly in supplying the Saudi Arabian Army with modern equipment, vehicles, and spare parts. In 1382 AH (1963 CE), a program was initiated to manage military vehicles, leveraging the expertise of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An agreement was established to regulate the maintenance of weapons, vehicles, and the supply of spare parts.

In 1386 AH (1966 CE), the Maintenance Corps became the first in Saudi Arabia to introduce computer technology for the benefit of the Ground Forces, automating technical supply operations, including the procurement of primary materials, spare parts, and technical documentation. In July 1968 (Jumada I 1388 AH), an IBM 360 computer was installed in the supply department, marking the transition to a centrally managed automated system overseen by the Maintenance Corps Command. Initially, computer usage was limited to technical supply operations and select administrative tasks, serving the various branches of the Ground Forces in terms of maintenance and supply.

Today, the Maintenance Corps is responsible for all supply management operations related to the maintenance of weapons, equipment, vehicles, and machinery within the Ground Forces, ensuring their continued functionality in all operational environments. The Corps also focuses on the development and training of technical personnel, including officers, enlisted soldiers, and civilian employees, to enhance its operational capabilities.

 

The Catering unit is encapsulated in the well-known military adage, "Armies march on their stomachs," which underscores the essential role of logistics in both ancient and modern warfare. The Supply Corps is tasked with providing a wide range of supplies to all units of the Ground Forces and delivering administrative support to combat formations during military operations.

The origins of the Supply Corps in the Saudi military can be traced back to a supply detachment established to support brigades in specific military areas. As the Ground Forces expanded, a Supply and Logistics Department was created in 1369 AH (1949 CE) in Riyadh. By 1377 AH (1957 CE), the first technical and administrative formation of the corps was established in Riyadh, known as the Supply and Logistics Command, to align with the comprehensive development of the Saudi Arabian Army.

On December 14, 1392 AH (1972 CE), the corps underwent reorganization, leading to the creation of several branches in various military regions. This reorganization took effect on May 1, 1405 AH (1985 CE). The last amendment to the Supply Corps organization occurred on May 1, 1410 AH (1990 CE), after which the name was officially changed to the "Supply Corps" on May 1, 1413 AH (1993 CE).

Today, the Supply Corps is responsible for fulfilling the diverse supply needs of Ground Forces formations and units, including rations, clothing and gear, office and household equipment, fuel, personal requirements, ammunition, construction materials, finished products, medical supplies, spare parts, and non-military support materials. This broad scope ensures that military operations are adequately supported and that personnel are well-equipped to fulfill their missions.

 

The Transportation Corps is an essential branch of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, tasked with the critical responsibility of securing the transportation of personnel, equipment, weapons, and administrative logistics, along with various types of supplies. The corps plays a role in military operations by ensuring the efficient movement of resources and personnel across diverse operational environments.

The Aviation Corps of the Royal Saudi Land Forces has evolved through various historical phases, establishing itself as one of the most critical combat arms within the Land Forces. This development can be largely attributed to the initiatives of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, along with his deputy, Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.

 

The Land Forces Operations Authority significantly contributed to the establishment of the Aviation Corps by sending a group of Land Forces officers to the United States to study rotary-wing aviation. On January 9, 1400 AH (January 9, 1980), approval was granted to create the Aviation Project Office within the Land Forces Operations, alongside the acquisition of advanced helicopters for the Aviation Corps.

A milestone in the development of aviation within the Land Forces occurred on August 1, 1402 AH (August 1, 1982), when the Aviation Project Office was transformed into the Army Aviation Command to accommodate its expanding scope and responsibilities. Subsequently, on July 1, 1417 AH (July 1, 1997), the command was renamed the Land Forces Aviation Command, reflecting its enhanced operational role within the Saudi military framework.

• Military Language Institute
• Royal Technical Institute
• Royal Infantry Institute
• Royal Armored unit Institute

• Paratroopers and Special Security Forces Center and School
• Royal Maintenance Corps Center and School
• Royal Artillery Center and School
• Military Aviation Center and School
• Royal Signal Corps Center and School
• Royal Quartermaster Corps Center and School
• Royal Corps of Engineers Center and School
• Royal Transport Corps Center and School
• Driving Training Centers
• Military Management School
• Weapons of Mass Destruction Prevention School

• Saudi Arabian National Guard
• Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia
• General Staff Presidency