The Jordan Times
AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications Mohammed Momani and Director of Military Media, Brigadier General Mustafa Hiyari announced on Monday details of the new and phased format of the National Service Programme.
HRH Crown Prince Hussein announced the reactivation of the National Military Service Programme, during a meeting with youth from Irbid Governorate on Sunday.
During the meeting, held at King Abdullah II Gardens in Irbid, the Crown Prince said young Jordanians must be prepared to serve and defend their country, adding that citizens who have participated in national military service understand the importance of this experience, according to a Roayl Court statement.
His Royal Highness noted the importance of the programme in strengthening national identity and young people’s connection to their homeland, noting that serving with the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army builds character and instils discipline.
Momani said the programme aimed at preparing the country’s youth to take on active roles in national development and to contribute to the country’s progress and safeguard its achievements.
He also emphasised the importance of youth in shaping Jordan’s future, noting that Crown Prince Hussein’s recent meeting with young Jordanians highlighted their role as the largest and most influential segment of society.
Momani said that the prime minister had instructed the development of the programme nearly a year ago and has since monitored its progress through a committee headed by the minister of interior, with membership from all relevant institutions.
He said that the legal amendments required to support the new programme will be presented in the upcoming Cabinet session before being submitted to Parliament for constitutional approval, adding that the government has allocated funding for preparation from this year’s emergency expenditures and will include the programme in the 2026 national budget.
The minister said that the structure of the programme will include two integrated tracks: a military training component led by the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF), and a theoretical knowledge component delivered by civilian experts in economic, cultural, social, and intellectual fields. “The goal is to provide a comprehensive experience that combines physical discipline with personal and civic development.”
In its initial phase, Momani said that the programme will target 6,000 male participants born in 2007, who will have turned 18 by January 1, 2026.
“They will be selected through an electronic lottery system based on scientific and demographic considerations, ensuring fair distribution across governorates. Each governorate will have 300 participants, with the exception of Amman (1,500), Zarqa (900), and Irbid (900),” he said.
Momani said that the number of conscripts is expected to increase to 10,000 in the near future, with a gradual scale-up planned to eventually accommodate the majority of eligible youth in the coming years.
The programme, he added, will continue on an annual basis and is designed to be flexible in its implementation to accommodate university students and working individuals. “Participation will be recogniSed as equivalent to 12 academic credit hours at universities.”
“The initiative is more than just a training programme but a national project aimed at producing confident and capable youth who are proud of their identity and committed to serving their country. The programme reflects the state’s belief in the potential of its young citizens and their ability to help shape the nation’s future.”
Hayari said that JAF will oversee the program’s implementation at Shuwaer and Khaw camps of JAF in Zarqa, which is fully equipped with necessary facilities for training, accommodation, and healthcare. “Each cycle will last three months, with participants remaining in camp for the first four weeks before receiving a 48-hour leave, followed by weekly leave from Thursday evening to Saturday evening. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend of JD100.”