Armed Forces Day: On land, sea and air —always there

Energy Sunday 10/December/2017 22:38 PM
By: Times News Service
Armed Forces Day: On land, sea and air —always there

MUSCAT: The Sultan’s Armed Forces celebrates the Armed Forces Day (AFD) on December 11 every year. The AFD is a glorious day in Oman’s military history and represents a national epic led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The Sultan’s Armed Forces comprising the Royal Army of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman and the Royal Guard of Oman have received due care in terms of development, training and armament during the blessed era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
They are the men and women who keep us all safe.
They have been equipped with the latest technology to ensure the serenity of the Sultanate is safeguarded.
But no amount of hi-tech kit can equal the soldiers, sailors and airmen of Oman’s armed forces. Always there, always ready, always remembered on this day, December 11, Oman’s Armed Forces Day.
The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) has seen a number of achievements during the blessed Renaissance in terms of development and modernisation, where the RAO formations and units are provided with advance armoured vehicles, air defence programmes and means of transport besides the specialised maintenance workshops in all sectors of RAO.
The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) is now a modern air force in terms of armament and is provided with advanced and modern jet fighters, logistic transport planes and helicopters and air defence system such as radars, training planes etc. RAFO has entered into agreements in response to the future needs and requirements. This is in addition to the airbases equipped with the necessary supplies for air forces. RAFO plays a vital role in rescue operations, transport and medical evacuations among other services.
With the strategic location of the Sultanate, the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) plays a vital role in preserving the national interests. RNO has fleet equipped with advance equipment in addition to the fast boats, supply and transport vessels and hydrographic survey vessels, which support the patrol vessels in safeguarding the Omani beaches and territorial waters and to ensure safe sea transport, protection of fisheries among other missions. The RNO also enters into agreements for providing its vessels with advance technical and operations specifications. In response to the Royal Directives of His Majesty the Sultan, RNO has entered into an agreement for providing it with four coastal vessels and in August 2016, RNO celebrated the vessel Khasab’s joining its services.
The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) has also received the royal care and attention of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) accords due care and top training to its personnel.
The RGO college of technology also provides the RGO and other state apparatuses with a highly qualified cadre. The Royal Orchestra Symphony is rich with the well-qualified and trained youths. The RGO also comprises integrated military bands with an appreciable presence at all international and local participations.
The National Defence College at the Ministry of Defence was established by Royal Decree No. 2/2013 and officially opened on 11 December 2013.
The college celebrated the graduation of the 4th national defence session on 26, July 2017.
The Engineering Services at the Ministry of Defence plays a vital role in the provision of technical and engineering support in military drills and in providing the necessary services such as the water service, power supply and infrastructure facilities at the camps, bases and military installations.
This is in addition to the provision of designs and supervision of infrastructure projects and maintenance works
The National Survey Authority is tasked with production of military and civil maps and aerial photography along with setting the criteria for topographic survey, provision of aviation maps.
SAF medical services provide treatment to the personnel of the Sultan’s Armed Forces ( SAF) and the members of their families. The Medical Services School of the Armed Forces provides SAF with the medical and technical cadre. The SAF Hospital in Al Khoudh is provided with new modern facilities and divisions.
Qualified officers
The College of Command and Staff at the Sultan’s Armed Forces provides its graduates with a bachelors’ degree in military sciences. Since opened in 11 December 1988, the college provides the SAF, RGO and the security apparatuses with qualified officers who would assume leading positions in the future. The Military College of Technology celebrated on 15 September 2013 its first academic year. The graduation of the first batch of the college would be in December , next year. SAF pays attention to provision of social welfare as part of the role of the Military Social Services at the SAF Headquarters.
The Morale Guidance at the Ministry of Defence plays a vital role in media coverage of the various social, cultural and sports activities of SAF. This is in addition to its role showcasing the national role they play and the developments SAF has witnessed in the various spheres.
The Pension Fund at the Ministry of Defence was established by Royal Decree No. 87/ 93 issued on 29 December 1993. The Fund invests the funds for the interest of pensioners and their families from among the personnel of the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Defence, SAF corps and RGO play a vital role in employment of the Omani youths in the various specialisations and fields. SAF along with other government apparatuses play a key role in the development efforts in the Sultanate. SAF also trains civilians in the fields of navigation, communications and management among other fields.