Other Service Units

The Ministry of Defence’s Engineering Services provide technical and engineering support for military exercises, as well as maintenance, essential services and infrastructure utilities at military installations. Their other duties include road building in some of the governorates and regions. In 2006 Engineering Services launched a Comprehensive Building Equipment Project to support various schemes around the country.

The Defence Ministry’s National Survey Authority produces military and civil maps, carries out aerial photography, sets the criteria for topographical surveys, maintains the National Geographic Archives and provides aeronautical charts, geographical aids and training in cartography and map production. The Institute of Survey Sciences and Map Production, established at the National Survey Authority, attracts staff from military and civil departments.

Military Social Services at the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Staff HQ provide social welfare services for serving and former SAF officers and other ranks. In addition to general welfare services, their remit includes the provision of housing loans, as well as care, rehabilitation and medical services for the disabled. The Sultanate is a permanent member of the Arab Union of War Veterans and Victims Associations.

The Morale Guidance Department organises media coverage of military, social and cultural events involving the SAF and the RGO and issues the monthly magazine ‘Jund Oman’ (Soldiers of Oman) as well as other publications. It produces and presents military radio and TV reports and programmes in conjunction with the Ministry of Information, organizes competitions and carries out a number of other duties including helping ensure the smooth running of the annual military Hajj mission.

The SAF Museum at Bait al Falaj Fort chronicles Oman’s military history through the ages, and during August 2008 it displayed some of its exhibits at the Khareef Festival in Salalah.