Amman: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II has announced the revival of the National Military Service Programme, a move hailed by retired military officials and security experts as a project that goes beyond military training to instill discipline, responsibility and national belonging among the country’s youth.
According to Jordan News Agency, former senior officers expressed their support for reactivating the scheme, known locally as “Khidmat al-Alam”, stating it embodies a national vision of building citizens, strengthening society, and embedding values of collective responsibility. They noted the program’s impact as both social and developmental, uniting young men and women from all backgrounds in an environment of equality and shared purpose.
Retired Major General Adnan al-Raqqad, director general of the Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans (ESARSV), remarked that the Crown Prince’s initiative reflected a “deep national vision” understanding the needs of Jordanian society amidst accelerating regional and global challenges. Al-Raqqad stated that the decision will contribute directly to preparing a conscious generation capable of assuming responsibility and participating effectively in the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Abdullah II. He noted that King Abdullah consistently places youth at the heart of national strategies, supporting programs equipping young people with future-ready skills.
Retired Major General Hisham Khreisat, a security strategist, emphasized the revival’s timeliness for Jordan and the region. He described the scheme as not only a developmental and military duty but also a message of Jordan’s strength and resolve, fortified by a generation committed to serving the nation as a permanent way of life.
Retired Brigadier General Mamdouh al-Ameri, a former director of the military’s Moral Guidance Department, highlighted the decision’s deeper philosophy, viewing national service as an investment in building both the individual and society. The program aims to physically and intellectually shape young Jordanians while instilling patience, discipline, and national identity.
Retired Brigadier General Ayman al-Rousan, a defense expert, praised the Crown Prince’s announcement as a response to public sentiment, combining national security with human development and youth empowerment. Al-Rousan noted the program’s potential to foster a spirit of discipline, equality, and belonging among the youth, reshaping a generation imbued with responsibility and collective effort.
Security expert Bashir al-Da’ja argued that the Crown Prince’s decision reflects a strategic reading of regional transformations. He highlighted that, unlike conventional conscription, Jordan’s program extends beyond military training to impart life and vocational skills, making graduates more employable and resilient against extremism. Da’ja emphasized the Jordanian model as developmental and security-driven, rebuilding the bond between youth and the state while fortifying society against external and internal challenges.
Supporters of the revival stress that the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army has long been viewed as integral to Jordanian national identity. The new service aims to produce a generation better equipped to defend the country while contributing to its economic and social progress.