Military Welfare Services
Military Welfare Services (MWS) was established in 1972 at Bait Al Falaj Camp. It provides social and humanitarian assistance as well as the necessary facilities for members of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, retirees, people with special needs and the families of martyrs and the deceased. MWS has been a permanent member of the Arab Union of Veterans and War Victims since 1993.
Morale Guidance and Military Protocols
The beginnings of military media in Oman date back to the late 1960s. In 1974, military media was reorganized and modernized under the newly named Morale Guidance Branch. Since then, the branch has undergone a number of changes to keep pace with the comprehensive development witnessed in the Sultanate of Oman and in the Sultan’s Armed Forces in particular, enabling it to carry out its media duties to the fullest extent possible and to successfully realize its national vision. The branch is currently known as Morale Guidance and Military Protocols responsible for the media, cultural and ceremonial events of the Ministry of Defence, the Sultan’s Armed Forces and various other security and military apparatuses.
Alsumood Radio for the Sultan's Armed Forces
With the generous blessing of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander - may Allah protect him – and under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik bin Taimur Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, January 11, 2021 witnessed the launch of Alsumood Radio, a brand-new radio station dedicated to the Sultan’s Armed Forces. Alsumood Radio is further evidence of the ongoing development and modernization process taking place within the Sultan’s Armed Forces.
Alsumood Radio provides a professional mix of cultural, historical, patriotic, military and instructional media content, with the aim of disseminating information and military culture that contributes to strengthening national goals in the areas of defence and security. Its broadcasts are intended to enhance national cohesion and instil values of loyalty and solidarity. It provides the Sultan’s Armed Forces with their own dedicated national media outlet through which they can give voice to their patriotism, ensuring that the noble actions that they take to defend the homeland, preserve its ancient civilization and heritage and safeguard its achievements, reach as large an audience as possible. The radio station provides the Sultan’s Armed Forces with the opportunity to promote their ongoing contribution to Oman’s present success and strengthen their roles in cooperation with other government bodies, in promoting the process of national development and renewal.
Ministry of Defence Printing Presses
The printing press of the Ministry of Defence was established in 1982. It was initially known as the Sultan’s Armed Forces Booklet Writing Cell. Over the years, it has undergone various changes in line with technological advances and competencies associated with printing. It has expanded its presses to serve all units and services of SAF, departments of MOD and other military and security agencies.
Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
The Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum offers an unrivalled view of Oman’s military history through the ages which is given prominence by its prestigious location in the historic Bait Al Falaj Fort, built during the reign of Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan in 1845. The SAF Museum is the only military museum in the Sultanate of Oman, where the visitor can trace Omani military history from the pre-Islamic period to the era of Oman’s Renaissance. The museum’s various halls and rooms contain weapons, photographs and historical documents that allow visitors to gain an insight into military events of the past. The grounds and gardens that surround the museum provide a fitting site for a permanent exhibition of military equipment previously deployed by the Sultan’s Armed Forces, such as vehicles, tanks, planes and ships. The museum was officially inaugurated under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah rest his soul in peace - on December 11, 1988, in Bait Al Falaj Fort. Over the years, it has played an influential role in edifying the public about Omani military history and enriching Omani military culture. The museum has become a destination for visitors to the Sultanate of Oman from various brotherly and friendly nations from different parts of the world. Visitors to the museum can access information in several international languages, and further information is available in publications and on the museum’s website.
Directorate of Military Sport
Sport, at the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, is one of the main contributors to ensuring and sustaining the fitness and efficiency of members of the Sultan's Armed Forces. The Directorate of Military Sports is responsible for organizing various sports programmes and competitions through coordination with local, regional and international sports bodies ensuring the participation of the Sultan's Armed Forces in a wide range of sporting events.
In order to promote and consolidate sports activity in the armed forces, regular sports competitions are held among teams at the level of units, battalions and bases. Such sporting events generate keen competition for places in the team and a great deal of enthusiasm among participants and supporters. Sport in SAF aims to raise physical fitness, and foster co-operation and bonding among team members. In addition to forming military sports teams that represent the Sultanate of Oman in regional and international competitions, the Directorate of Military Sports also coordinates its work with various national sports bodies to develop the level of national teams and individual athletes.
SAF sports teams have performed well in various Gulf and Arab competitions, achieving some impressive results. At the international level, the most significant achievement was during the Sultanate of Oman's hosting of the Asian Cup from 10-20 February 2013, when they came top in their group and qualified for the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Military World Football Cup. This took place in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku later in 2013, where the team from the Sultan’s Armed Forces secured second place. In 2017, teams from 16 countries met in the Sultanate of Oman between 12 - 26 January for the second CISM World Football Cup which was won by the Sultan's Armed Forces team.
At the 38th CISM World Military Parachuting Championships held in Solo, Indonesia from 17-28 September 2014, the Oman national skydiving free-jumping team was ranked third in the accuracy category and seventh overall. Swimmers from the Sultan’s Armed Forces attended the CISM World Military Swimming Championships held in France in January 2015, where they obtained third place in the 4x200 metre and 4x100 metre freestyle relay competitions.
Oman Shooting Association (International Shooting Unit)
The International Shooting Unit was established in 1980 with the aim of bringing together marksmen from the Sultan’s Armed Forces and other security agencies for the purpose of honing their skills and selecting high-performing individuals to represent the Sultanate of Oman at regional and international levels. On January 1, 1984, Ministerial Decision No. 1/84 was issued establishing the Omani Shooting Association. The Association represented by the International Shooting Unit organizes an annual military shooting competition between the services and formations of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, as well as an annual shooting competition open to citizens with the aim of identifying and training new talent among the population. The Oman Shooting Association has a number of highly qualified trainers and sets out an annual programme of events. Training courses also target juniors in order to attract talented individuals and prepare them for possible future inclusion in the national shooting team. Omani shooters have acquitted themselves well, winning a number of international and Olympic awards and medals.
Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services was established in 1982 to provide the Sultan’s Armed Forces and all departments in the Ministry of Defence with technical expertise in the creation, management and optimization of data. The critical infrastructure services provided by ITS involve the management and upkeep of essential operational components such as servers and computers, software including database management systems and network and data storage components. A fully-automated library system is an additional asset provided by ITS. All assets are protected by appropriate cybersecurity measures which aim to provide a secure, up-to-date and efficient technical environment that supports all IT activities undertaken by SAF. The services provided by ITS are the cornerstone of a modern military organization providing standardized and streamlined processes to facilitate the access of information and enhance decision-making. ITS continues to upgrade its systems in line with the national plan to transition to a country-wide system of e-governance.
Royal Navy of Oman Vessel RNOV Shabab Oman
Royal Navy of Oman Vessel RNOV Shabab Oman
This was the first of the Oman Youth Ships and was acquired in 1977 under the directives of His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may Allah rest his soul in peace. On completion of its refit and conversion from a schooner to a barquentine, it was inducted into the Royal Navy of Oman on 1 April, 1979. RNOV Shabab Oman was used as a sail training ship which acted as a sailing naval ambassador for Oman, participating in numerous international tall ship races and boat shows and winning many cups and awards.
Royal Navy of Oman Vessel RNOV Shabab Oman II
Shabab Oman II was officially named and launched on 8 May 2014 replacing the ageing RNOV Shabab Oman. The ship is a three-masted squared rigged Clipper, 58 meters in length, it is one of the longest sailing ships of the Clipper class. Shabab Oman II has 29 sails giving her a sailing speed of up to 17 knots. She has a crew of at least 90 made up of 54 permanent crew and 36 trainees. There is also accommodation for 4 VIPs. RNOV Shabab Oman 11 continues the historical role played by her predecessor RNOV Shabab Oman, building bridges of communication and friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and brotherly and friendly countries around the world.
National Hydrographic Office
The Royal Navy of Oman has entrusted the National Hydrographic Office with full responsibility for the provision of national hydrographic services. These include harnessing all capabilities and resources to provide the highest levels of navigational safety in Omani waters. One of the Office’s most important tasks is the compilation and distribution of nautical charts in both paper and electronic format as well as surveys and publications. In addition to ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of ships in Omani territorial waters, the office also works to support all marine related activities including economic development in the form of resource exploitation, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection and management.
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit provides treatment for decompression sickness which is a potential risk of scuba diving. The well-established treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized recompression chamber and is a vital medical service offered by the Royal Navy of Oman. A number of other conditions are treated with hyperbaric oxygen including, carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injuries, serious infections, burns and wounds that may not heal due to diabetes.
Armed Forces Medical Services
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) play a crucial role in providing high-quality medical care to the Sultan's Armed Forces in times of peace and war as well as to employees of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Guard of Oman and their families.
The earliest military medical services date back to the 1920s when a small medical team set up limited facilities at Bait Al Falaj Camp. In the early 1960s, this was expanded to include two medical centres for the Northern Frontier Regiment and Muscat Regiment where training for medical assistants was also conducted. In 1967, medical training was moved to a newly established training centre at Bait Al Falaj Camp. In 1969, the medical services were officially known as the Armed Forces Medical Unit which was changed in 1973 to the Armed Forces Medical Services. The main hospital for the Armed Forces (AFH) located in Al-Khoudh, Muscat, was opened in 1985. The hospital is fully-equipped with the latest medical equipment .
The medical services of the Sultan's Armed Forces have witnessed a quantum leap in terms of trained and highly-specialised manpower and the expanded number of facilities offering quality health care to serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and their families. Today, AFMS operates a number of well-equipped hospitals and medical centres which serve all SAF units and formations across the sultanate. AFMS is committed to continuing to make inroads into improving the efficiency and performance of the treatment it delivers. While being proud of its accomplishments, AFMS acknowledges its enormous debt to the wise vision of His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander- may Allah protect him – and to the ongoing support it continues to receive from concerned government bodies
Oman Aircraft Control College
Oman Aircraft Control College (OACC), previously known as the Air Traffic Control School, is a joint civil and military Air Navigation Services Training Centre offering a full range of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) courses such as Civil and Military Air Traffic Control, Fighter Control and other air defence courses. The college which was established in November 2000 was jointly conceived by the Royal Air Force of Oman and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation with the aim of coordinating efforts to meet training requirements for both parties in the field of Air Traffic Control. The civil courses meet the rigorous standards set by ICAO and are approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Regulation (DGCAR). Military courses are approved by the Royal Air Force of Oman.
Oman Aircraft Control College (OACC) has played a pioneering role in meeting the ongoing requirements of the Royal Air Force of Oman for professional Air Traffic Control cadres trained on modern automated simulation systems, compatible with the latest modern aircraft and radars in service. Practical simulation is delivered in the college’s state-of-the-art radar and 3D visual tower simulators. The college also has transportable simulators allowing it to deliver training in different locations. Students at the college enjoy a structured and supportive learning environment that enables them to focus fully on developing their skills to the highest standard. OACC utilizes a world-class systems approach to training, ensuring it efficiently monitors and maintains standards, and works towards continuous improvement by adopting a plan-implement-operate-audit-review process. OACC is committed to developing and maintaining international standards of best practice, and to providing quality training programmes that enhance the safety of aviation operations and enable students to achieve their career goals.
Royal Army of Oman Academy
The Royal Army of Oman Academy was established on July 21, 2021 in response to the need to further develop and modernize military training. The Sultan's Armed Forces Training Battalion, the Sultan Qaboos Military College, the Officer Training School, the Infantry School and the Combat Training Centre in Al Jabal Al Akhdar have all been subsumed into the Academy.
In 1955, during the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur, military training was conducted at what was then known as the Sultan's Armed Forces Training Centre before being renamed Training Battalion at the end of 1970.
In 1971, the Officer Cadet Training Wing was set up at the Sultan's Armed Forces Training Regiment (SAFTR) in Ghala. It was subsequently renamed the Officer Cadet Training Unit and relocated in 1982 to Aydem in the Governorate of Dhofar. In July 1986, the Training Unit was upgraded to college level and was renamed the Sultan Qaboos Military College with the flag ceremony marking its official inauguration taking place in November 1987. In 1990, the structure of the training programme was revised with courses extended to two years and those graduating awarded a Diploma in Military Sciences.
The Officer Training School is a prestigious branch of the Academy that specializes in providing education and training to future army officers. The Jabal Akhdar Combat Training Centre first established in late 1958 is one of the most important training facilities available to the Sultan’s Armed Forces due to its unique topography. Its terrain is well-suited for preparing soldiers to conduct a variety of military exercises.
The Royal Army of Oman Academy is charged with implementing the Royal Army of Oman’s training policy which seeks to instill leadership qualities and qualify its human cadres through rigorous military training programmes and specialized courses.
Sultan Qaboos Air Academy
The Sultan Qaboos Air Academy like Ghala Air Base where it is situated, has undergone various stages of transformation as the Royal Air Force of Oman has sought to modernize and develop its educational and training facilities to bring them to their current high standard. Ghalla Air Base has continued to expand as an educational and training hub for the Royal Air Force of Oman with the establishment of the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy in 1992, the Basic Staff School in 1994 and the Air Force Initial School in 1997.
In 1974, the building that now houses the Sultan Qaboos Air Academy was home to the Sultan's Armed Forces School which was a military-run high school and the Adult Education School. Until 1992, officer training was conducted on Masirah Air Base. With the closure of the Sultan’s Armed Forces School in 1992, the Officer Cadet Training Wing (OCTW) in Masirah was relocated to Ghala Air Base. This was supplemented in 1993 by the addition of the Military Training Wing which moved from Seeb Air Base to work alongside the Officer Cadet Training Wing .
OCTW prepares cadets for service in the officer corps of the Royal Air Force of Oman, and receives entrants from high school, college and university. Basic Officer Cadet Courses of two-year duration and limited service courses of six-month duration are conducted in the Wing. The Officer Cadet Course is divided into six stages involving basic military training, an academic foundation programme, Defence Studies, Air Studies, Art of Command and Advanced Art of Command courses which include practical exercises in class and in the field. Successful cadets graduate as Flight Lieutenant (Mul/2) with a Diploma in Military Science. They are then appointed to various RAFO Directorates according to their specializations. Those selected for pilot training join No 1 Squadron on Masirah Air Base for ab-initio training on the basic trainer aircraft.
The Sultan Qaboos Air Academy aims to provide the Royal Air Force of Oman with competent junior officers and airmen who can contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Service by relying on their education and training and the potential to continue to increase their skillset.
Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy
Training for the Royal Navy of Oman was first conducted at the Naval Training Centre (NTC ) established on 1st January 1978 in Sur.
In October 1986, NTC was moved from Sur to Wudam Al Sahil Naval Base in Al Batinah South Governorate where it continued to expand and develop new training programmes. On 1 June 2011, it was renamed the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy (SQNA). Today the academy has a number of roles and offers a wide range of courses in its various schools that cater to the operational requirements of different branches of the navy as well as its bases. One of the main tasks of SQNA is the training and qualifying of its officers and officer cadets along with the provision of basic training for new recruits. Ratings are later assigned to specialized courses within the academy.
Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy is currently made up of the following schools: Officer Training School, Officer Cadet Training School, Principal Warfare Officers’ School, Naval Junior Staff School, Operational Training School, Hydrographic Training School, Academic Studies School, Catering School, Leadership and Management Training School, General Naval Training School, Technical Training School, Firefighting and Chemical Warfare School.
The academy aims to train and qualify officers, new officer cadets and enlisted ratings in various marine disciplines for the Royal Navy of Oman to enable them to carry out tasks aboard the fleet and at the naval bases. Its wide range of courses are also open to members of the Ministry of Defence and the Sultan's Armed Forces.
Air Centre for Specialized Training
In 1974, the Technical Training School was set up at Seeb Air Base to train aircraft mechanics in a number of aircraft engineering trades for the Sultan of Oman's Air Force (SOAF). The School was honoured with a number of royal visits by His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may Allah rest his soul in peace. In 1977, Supply Management was added to the programmes offered by the school. In 1980, the school was renamed the Technical Training Institute (TTI) to reflect the enhanced capabilities and technologically advanced equipment employed by the Royal Air Force of Oman. In 1993, TTI became known as the Air Force Technical College (AFTC) the sole provider of highly-qualified technical and non-technical tradesmen to the Air Force in Oman. In 2002, the Ministry of Higher Education recognized the college qualifications as an Intermediate Technical Diploma. The college, one of the oldest educational institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, supported the advancement of the Royal Air Force of Oman and contributed to the social and economic development of the country for over four decades.
With the establishment of the Military Technological College (MTC) on a new site in 2015, engineering trades ceased to be taught at AFTC, and its name was changed once again in 2021 to the Air Centre for Specialized Training. This became an extension of the Air Technical College tasked with ensuring the continuation of training for airmen and women in trades unrelated to engineering and not within the remit of MTC. The Air Centre for Specialized Training ensures that RAFO continues to be provided with a seamless flow of competent, specialized personnel to fulfill its many operational and technical requirements and respond to future challenges.
Gulf Academy for strategic and security studies
It is a Gulf institution with a legal personality under the umbrella of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, also it has its own financial and administrative independence. It is conside red an academic institution that specialises in strategic and security studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council system by providing a scientific environment for the exchange of knowledge, academic experiences, and studies, with the aim of qualifying Gulf leaders and unifying and strengthening the strategic concept of the comprehensive security unified Gulf.
