Saudi Arabian National Guard

The Saudi Arabian National Guard or SANG (aka White Army) is one of five branches or services of the Saudi Arabian Defence Forces/military. It serves both as defence force against external threats but as a security force against internal threats. It duties include protecting the royal family, guarding against coups, protecting strategic facilities and resources, and protecting the Holy Places of Mecca and Medina.

Related Topics:
White Army - Saudi Arabia - Defence Forces - Coup - Mecca - Medina

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It is both a standing force of 25,000, with a reserve of 40,000 and a tribal militia of 25,000. The SANG is the King's private army consisting of personnel drawn from tribes loyal to the King and Royal Family. It is always commanded by a high ranking member of the royal family, usually a Crown Prince. It consists of a mobile force of two mechanized brigades and four motorized infantry brigades. The militia portion consists of around 24 battalions of fowj, tribal warriors on "retainer". The force was extensively reorganized and retrained by the Vinnel Corporation (using over a thousand US Vietnam War veterans) in the 1980s and performed well in the Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm especially in the battle for Khafji.

Related Topics:
Militia - King's - Crown Prince - Fowj - Vinnel Corporation - Vietnam War - 1980s - Gulf War - Operation Desert Storm - Khafji

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