Arabian command: the British officers who led the Sultan of Oman’s forces to victory in the Dhofar War (1965–75)

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Oman's Dhofar War, one of the most pivotal, yet underexamined counterinsurgency (COIN) campaigns of the post-Second World War era. The success of the campaign rested largely on the British provision of seconded (loaned) senior officers to lead the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) and conduct the war effort. This article examines the key individual and collective roles played by these officers in shaping the overall strategic picture, SAF capability, operational performance, and ultimately overall Dhofar campaign success. This success cemented its place in a select group of post-war era COIN 'wins' worldwide.