Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Jordan has been serving as a training ground for militaries operating in Afghanistan.

Officials said Jordan has hosted NATO training for desert operations. The officials said eastern and southern Jordan were used to help Western air forces that operate in Afghanistan.

“Clearly the main aim is to train and refresh aircrew in desert flying techniques,” British Navy Lt. Cmdr. Edwin Adams said. “I have never experienced an environment so challenging and similar to that in Afghanistan.”

Jordan has hosted other NATO allies, including the United States, for air and other training. In June 2013, the Hashemite kingdom hosted a major air and ground exercise with NATO allies.

Adams said Jordan marked one of the most challenging desert environments. He said exercises would enable Britain’s Commando helicopter force to fight in other countries with similar terrain.

In August, Britain’s 846 Naval Air Squadron sent a Commando helicopter
force around the Red Sea port of Aqaba. The squadron, deployed in
Afghanistan, conducted training in southern Jordan for its air crew,
engineers and ground support teams.

“The characteristics of the dust in Jordan really put an extra burden on
the aircraft,” Lt. Nick Hallatt, a helicopter pilot, said. “The teams worked
tirelessly to keep up the pace of flying.”

  Britain’s 846 Naval Air Squadron, challenging desert environment, Lt. Cmdr. Edwin Adams, NATO pilots learning ‘desert techniques’ in Jordan for Afghan ops