Saudi Army

History

Genesis of the 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.

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.

Modern army

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.

Structure

Main Departments

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).

Independent Departments

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)

Independent commanders

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.

Independent weapons

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.

Academic facilities

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

Officers and soldiers