Gendarmerie Special Public Order Command (JÖAK)

Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı (JÖAK) is a special operations unit under the General Command of Gendarmerie, operating under the authority of the Ministry of Interior of Türkiye. It was established to carry out specialized tasks requiring unique skills, including maintaining public order across Türkiye, responding to extraordinary situations, hostage rescue, high-risk operations, and search-and-rescue missions during natural disasters. JÖAK is an elite security unit capable of responding with a high level of preparedness and specially trained personnel to incidents within its mandate, both during peacetime and crisis periods.

Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı enhanced its organizational structure in a more systematic and professional framework following the increased demands after the 17 August 1999 Marmara Earthquake. In 2001, the Jandarma Arama Kurtarma Tabur Komutanlığı (JAK) was established, and this unit was integrated into Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı in 2004. Thus, specialized elements in disaster response, mountaineering, underwater search and rescue, and technical rescue were unified under a single command structure.

Since its founding, JÖAK has distinguished itself not only through security operations but also through its professional approach to social incidents, natural disasters, and extraordinary situations threatening public order. Its ability to operate across Türkiye’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions has granted the command a strategic importance nationwide.

^{JÖAK Personelleri Teknofest İzmir (Fotoğraf: Hümeyra Yılmaz)}

The institutional foundations of Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı (JÖAK) emerged from the need for a specially trained, equipped, and organized unit in response to major natural disasters and rising security threats in Türkiye’s recent history. The 17 August 1999 Marmara Earthquake particularly exposed the lack of a professional structure capable of effectively responding to disasters nationwide. In this context, the General Command of Gendarmerie moved to consolidate search-and-rescue and special intervention capabilities under a single umbrella.

The first step was the establishment of the Jandarma Arama Kurtarma Tabur Komutanlığı (JAK) in 2001. JAK consisted of units equipped with trained personnel and technical equipment specifically for disaster response. In 2004, this battalion was incorporated into the broader structure of the Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı, elevating its status. As a result, a command with an expanded mandate—including hostage rescue, high-risk operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and counter-terrorism—was formed.

Formally established in 2004, JÖAK has since become one of the most specialized and well-equipped units within the General Command of Gendarmerie. Over the years, JÖAK has strengthened its technical infrastructure, improved training quality, and refined personnel selection. It has played an active role in numerous domestic and international operations and interventions. Notably, it deployed search-and-rescue teams on-site during the 2011 Van Earthquake, the 2020 Elazığ Earthquake, and the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

Additionally, JÖAK’s specially trained teams have been deployed in response to terrorist incidents, abduction cases, and high-risk arrests across Türkiye. Over time, this unit has gained recognition as an elite and highly reliable structure among both law enforcement agencies and the public.

Jandarma Komando Operasyon Tabur Komutanlığı is a significant force composed of units specialized in special operations.

This team conducts all types of special operations using land, air, and rail vehicles. In addition to operations in buildings, residences, and facilities, it assumes critical roles in special security duties and public order incidents. It plays an essential role in ensuring public safety.

Our snipers are trained to detect, neutralize, and stop illegal elements within their operational area. Their primary objective is to identify and neutralize aggressors without endangering civilians. This team bears significant responsibility in sensitive and critical missions.

This unit is responsible for neutralizing detected explosives either remotely or through direct intervention. Additionally, specially trained mine and explosive detection dogs form an integral part of this unit.

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The Jandarma Komando Arama Kurtarma Tabur Komutanlığı operates at the forefront of search-and-rescue activities during disasters and emergencies. It is prepared to respond effectively to any natural or human-caused catastrophe across Türkiye. JAK carries out its missions most effectively through its Special Search and Rescue Division, which includes teams specializing in disaster response, mountaineering, underwater search and rescue, and canine-assisted search and rescue.

These teams actively participate in saving lives and locating victims during natural disasters such as earthquakes, avalanches, floods, landslides, and human-caused disasters such as building collapses. For us, human life is always the top priority.

Our canine team searches for and rescues missing persons in all types of natural and human-caused disasters. We work with dogs that have received highly specialized training to detect faint sounds and reunite survivors with their loved ones.

Our mountaineering teams are deployed to rescue individuals who are lost or injured in mountains, canyons, caves, wells, and high-rise buildings. These teams consist of professional personnel trained in mountaineering, climbing, and high-altitude operations to successfully conduct search-and-rescue missions in these challenging environments.

Our underwater teams conduct search-and-rescue operations in aquatic environments, both above and below the water surface. They also carry out underwater operations to locate evidence related to criminal investigations. This unit operates across a wide spectrum, from maritime accidents to mountain and underwater rescues.

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The selection of personnel for Jandarma Özel Asayiş Komutanlığı (JÖAK) is conducted through a highly rigorous, multi-stage process based on stringent standards. Selected personnel must demonstrate the highest levels of physical and mental capability, as well as professional ethics and discipline. These qualities ensure that JÖAK is composed of professionals capable of adapting to its diverse operational demands.

Personnel selection for JÖAK is typically conducted from within the General Command of Gendarmerie and is based on voluntary application. Candidates must meet basic criteria, including prior military service experience, high disciplinary records, and absence of disciplinary sanctions. Applicants are first subjected to medical screenings and security investigations.

Candidates who pass the initial screening undergo demanding physical fitness tests. These include running, sit-ups, push-ups, weight carrying, balance, and speed assessments. Additional endurance tests specific to specialized fields such as mountaineering, swimming, high-angle descent (rapelling), and similar disciplines are also conducted.

Candidates who successfully complete the physical tests are evaluated through psychotechnical assessments. During this stage, their ability to make decisions under stress, crisis management, leadership, team cohesion, attention, and reasoning skills are measured. Additionally, interviews conducted by panels composed of senior officers and specialists assess the candidate’s character, motivation, and sense of responsibility.

Selected personnel undergo a long and intensive training program within JÖAK. Training includes:

• Hostage rescue techniques,
• Explosive ordnance identification and disposal,
• Advanced weapons handling and close-quarters combat,
• Mountaineering and survival in natural environments,
• Underwater search and rescue,
• Response to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) threats,
• Advanced search-and-rescue techniques.

JÖAK personnel regularly participate in drills and refresher training throughout their service. These programs maintain physical fitness and ensure adaptation to new technologies and tactical developments. Additionally, participation in international exercises and exchange programs supports personnel in gaining broader operational experience.

Thanks to this multi-stage and disciplined system, personnel serving in JÖAK form an elite structure not only in terms of physical fitness but also in psychological resilience, technical expertise, and crisis management capacity.