Female integration in Jordan’s Special Forces – an empirical analysis of the project’s content and value for Norway and Jordan

Norway and Jordan signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2019 that paved the way for direct cooperation between their respective Special Operations Forces (SOF). Since 2022, Norwegian Special Operations Commando (NORSOF/FSK) has collaborated with the UK and Canada to train Jordanian women in the Jordanian Special Operations Forces (JORSOF). The Jordan Female Integration Training (JFIT) project aims to enhance the SOF-specific skills of Jordanian female SOF and integrate them into JORSOF units. The project supports JORSOF in making use of the resource that women represent in SOF functions. This addresses both Jordanian cultural context and security challenges.

This study tells the story of the JFIT project through describing its place in the wider bilateral defense cooperation frame, the rationales for its creation, its content and conduct, and the ways in which JFIT and the wider relationship creates value for Norway and Jordan. It closes with identifying some key lessons and experiences from the cooperation and points to recommendations. This research takes the form of a qualitative empirical analysis based on interviews, document analysis, secondary literature, and fieldwork conducted in Jordan.

The JFIT project offers several benefits for Jordan. Operationally, female operators help avoid gendered blind spots and improve security for personnel, providing better situational awareness and reducing information gaps with potential negative consequences. JFIT also supports Jordanian political interests, including efforts to increase female participation in the Armed Forces and economy.

For Norway, JFIT acts as a small-scale contribution within one of NORSOF’s areas of expertise. The participation in the project helps to create balance in the bilateral relationship and contributes to keeping the cooperation beneficial for both parties. As such, JFIT indirectly supports the continuation of several military benefits that spring from the relationship. These include the foothold through Norwegian Camp Åsgård in Jordan, joint exercises, environmental training, increased regional situational awareness, and nurturing important networks with local and allied forces. These combine into strengthening NORSOF’s and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ ability to fulfill their mandated responsibilities. JFIT also supports Norway’s ambitions to implement the Women Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) by helping a prioritized partner country achieve its WPS goals.

The JFIT case highlights how a combination of factors led to significant outcomes for Norway, with female SOF experience and female instructors being essential resources. The study recommends ensuring a central point of contact (POC) for coordination with JORSOF, potentially filled by rotating personnel from contributing nations. Continued support and training for Jordanian female SOF operators is needed to build their competence, confidence, and integration into operational roles. Educational exchanges and specialized courses would further enhance their skills and motivation.