Muscat Regiment (Oman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muscat Regiment |
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Royal Army of Oman
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| Active | From 1957 to date |
| Country |  Oman |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Motorised infantry |
| Size | One battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Bid Bid, Oman |
| Engagements | Jebel Akhdar & Dhofar Wars |
| Decorations | .png){kind=small} |
The Muscat Regiment (MR) is a special army unit from Oman. It was one of the first two official infantry regiments created by Sultan Said bin Taimur in March 1957. An infantry regiment is a group of soldiers who fight on foot. The regiment has a unique crest with two crossed Omani swords and a traditional Khanjar dagger. Its uniform includes a bright red cap called a Tam o' Shanter, which looks a bit like a beret. Soldiers who served in a place called Dhofar can wear a special medal called the General Service Medal Oman.
History of the Regiment
The Muscat Regiment and the Northern Frontier Regiment are the oldest infantry units in the Royal Army of Oman (RAO). They were formed to make Oman's army stronger. Before these regiments, the army had less organized groups. British advisors helped the Sultan create these new units. This was done to help Oman deal with challenges from some groups inside the country.
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The Muscat Regiment also took part in the Dhofar War. This was a conflict in the 1970s where the Sultan's army fought against rebel groups in the southern part of Oman called Dhofar. The Muscat Regiment helped other army units during these battles.
Today, the Muscat Regiment is still an active part of the Royal Army of Oman. Its main base is located in a town called Bidbid.
Leaders of the Regiment
Some of the officers who have led the Muscat Regiment include:
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Jim "Bill" Bowen (from 1961 to 1962)
- Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thwaites (in 1967)
See also
- Omani Civil War (1963-76)
- Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces
- Sultan's Armed Forces Museum
- David Smiley
- Trucial Oman Scouts
