In the case of King Hussein, this was not simply an honorary title. He kept in close touch with the armed forces, exercised personal control over them and often assumed direct command. According to official Jordanian figures, in addition to the active strength of the armed forces there are also 35,000 reserves. It is expected that Jordan will gradually reduce the strength of its armed forces by 25 per cent, in the wake of its peace accord with Israel. At the same time, it is proposing to increase the effectiveness of the armed forces by the provision of better and more modern equipment.
Women serve in the Jordanian armed forces, although they have never been subject to conscription.
Most female service personnel are detailed to administrative, secretarial, communications or medical units. Jordan's naval forces are organized as a small unit. Coming under army command, the force has a mainly coast guard-type role. Chain of Command Doctrine and Strategy Jordan has organized its defences largely on the basis of the potential threat posed by Israel and Syria, while at the same time being conscious of the ability of Iraq and Iran to cause strategic difficulties for the kingdom. In the event of a general conflict between the Arab states and Israel, it was envisaged that the armed forces of Jordan would protect Syria's southern flank, guarding against Israeli forces seeking to envelop Syrian positions in a push across the Jordan river towards Damascus.