|
King Abdullah II is likely the only current head
of state to have ever served in special- forces.
This makes for a doubly interesting backdrop for
each of a highly specialized series of special-
forces exhibitions that been held in Amman over
the past ten years. The most recent exhibit, taking
place as this report goes to press, is the sixth
overall. SOFEX, which stands for Special Operations
Forces Exhibition and Conference, hosts this a one
of a kind, word-class, venue that focuses on special
operations and security forces, including their
special equipment, training, and combat support/service
systems.
Exhibitors are encouraged to showcase their most
modern equipment and services, so attendees can
not only come in and meet their needs, but become
exposed to new and different things. "What
we try to do is match supply and demand, in terms
of equipment, for the specialized elite forces of
the world," said Amer Tabbah, managing director
of SOFEX. "We also help them to collaborate
and work together to achieve peace keeping tasks."
A range of tactical, live-firing and mobility displays,
as well as numerous comprehensive seminars supports
the exhibition and conference.
SOFEX is a vastly different animal from your standard
arms show, filling a niche that is highly specialized.
Within the realm of military affairs, the exchanges
of ideas that occur at SOFEX are quite unique and,
according to Tabbah, the exhibitions are ranked
as the best in the world. "We don’t compete
with defense exhibitions such as those in Abu Dhabi,
London, Paris, or those hosted in the US,"
said Tabbaa. "Quite to the contrary, we are
being cloned in this niche."
Mr. Amer N. Tabbah, Managing Director |
The conference might also be seen as a platform
from which exhibitors can unveil their latest innovations.
"We help these delegations share in their expertise,"
says Tabbaa.
One thing that was different in this year’s
SOFEX exhibition was the addition of nine complete
special- forces units, from nine countries, in conducting
joint maneuvers…such as parachute jumping.
Tabbaa says that events like this, shows the spirit
of special forces, saying, "The special operations
forces around the world work together without any
borders or frontiers. They fight a common enemy…
protecting their own people, their own economic
growth, their own demographic growth. These are
the tasks with which these people are entrusted."
As host of these events, it may be important to
look at what Jordan brings to the table in terms
of special- forces experience and expertise. First,
Jordan is a strategic partner in the region. It’s
special- forces serve with United Nations and NATO
in peacekeeping roles around the world. The country
is recognized for its ability to supply the troops,
and provide special services. Among their primary
contributions is in the medical field, says Tabbaa.
At one point Jordan had seventeen field hospitals
around the world, one of which, in Iraq, helped
half a million out- patients.
SOFEX generates its highest levels of interest
and attendance from the Middle East and North Africa.
It is attended by highly influential, regional and
international defense opinion shapers and decision
makers, creating a unique opportunity for defense
industrialists to meet in a focused environment.
King Abdullah II credits his father for having given
rise to the Jordanian special-forces in 1963; however
it was the current king whose vision gave rise to
SOFEX. "The King recognized that special- forces
are going to be required more and more," said
Tabbaa, "because the threat is not going to
be countries going to war, but the threat is going
to be in the street. Before September 11, special
operations in the world accounted for 5% of military
budgets. Since then the number is well into the
double digits. So as a precursor to that, he had
the vision to begin something like SOFEX ten years
ago."
|
Jordan 
