Step inside Jordan's special forces training center - which is carved out of a mountain and has everything the most elite soldiers in the world need

Ben BrimelowMar 20, 2018, 02:47 IST

special operations forces from Iraq, Jordan and the U.S. conduct an exercise as part of Eager Lion multinational military maneuvers at the King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) in Amman, Jordan.Associated Press

Located on the outskirts of the capital city of Amman, the sound of gunfire, explosions, helicopters, and tire screeches reverberate around the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre.

A massive 6,000 acre compound, KASOTC is dedicated to the training of special forces operators from around the world. It has everything it needs to train operators - a mock village, an embassy compound, driving and shooting ranges, and even an Airbus A300 with targets to simulate hostage scenarios.

"Simply put, if special operations units are the tip of the spear, then KASOTC is the sharpening-tool that hones it," the center's website states. It certainly lives up to its motto: "Where Advanced Training Meets Advanced Technology."

KASOTC is the project of Jordan's King Abdullah II, a graduate of Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the former commander of Jordan's Special Forces. The king recognized the importance of special operations and counter-terrorism in the 21st Century, particularly in the Middle East, and wanted Jordan to be a leader in these types of warfare.

Built by a US company on land donated by King Abdullah, KASOTC is handled by the Jordanian armed forces and private security companies.

They have trained military teams, private security contractors, and even the actors playing SEALs from "Zero Dark Thirty." They also hold the Annual Warrior Competition, a contest where the best special forces teams from around the world participate in exercises and drills.

Take a look at KASOTC here:

See Step inside Jordan's special forces training center - which is carved out of a mountain and has everything the most elite soldiers in the world need >>

KASOTC offers courses to teach soldiers how to use vehicles in special operations.

Dirt bikes are also common at KASOTC.

KASOTC has hosted international military exercises like Eager Lion.

Its facilities and equipment make it one of the best places to hold these exercises.

As does the crown prince.

KASOTC also hosts the Annual Warrior Competition, where special forces teams and elite police units from around the world compete to be recognized as the best.

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Step inside Jordan's special forces training center - which is carved out of a mountain and has everything the most elite soldiers in the world need

KASOTC offers courses to teach soldiers how to use vehicles in special operations.

Dirt bikes are also common at KASOTC.

KASOTC has hosted international military exercises like Eager Lion.

Its facilities and equipment make it one of the best places to hold these exercises.

As does the crown prince.

KASOTC also hosts the Annual Warrior Competition, where special forces teams and elite police units from around the world compete to be recognized as the best.

While a regular week of training can cost as much as $200,000 the competition is free to whoever can make it.

The teams compete by running various drills like hostage rescue, urban battles, VIP protection, and marksman competitions.

Obstacle courses are timed to find out which team is fastest. Speed is a very important part of the competition.

The teams learn valuable lessons that help them on the battlefield, like these Iraqi soldiers who fight against ISIS.