Brigadier General BG. (R). Aref Alzaben is the Founder and Owner of The Sixth Sense Group(SSG) , that consists of the Security Solutions & Safety Systems (6Ss) , LLC, and the Sixth Sensefor Secret Services (5Ss) . The SSG Group a company established to provide strategic and tactical security solutions across in the GLOBAL SECURITY, with The Sixth Sense for Secret Services &Security (5Ss), a sister company specializing in discreet, high-level protective and security services.
Following over three decades years of distinguished service as a commissioned officer in the
Jordan Armed Forces – primarily in Special Forces and counterterrorism – BG. (R) Alzaben as military leader, international security expert, and academic researcher. transitioned to the private sector with a mission to deliver elite-level security capabilities. His operational experience spans, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Qatar, where he has led and advised on complex security strategies and high-risk operations.
After his return from Qatar during his service in the Worls Cup 2022 ans driven by a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie, he envisioned the Sixth Sense platform as a unified network that brings together former military colleagues (Veterans) and seasoned professionals. Today, Sixth Sense Group relies on a trusted cadre of regional and technical experts, each with decades of service and specialized knowledge in security, defense, and intelligence operations throughout the region.
BG. (R).Aref Alzaben began his military career in 1986 after graduating from the Royal
Jordanian Military Academy and served in the 82nd Airborne Battalion. From 1988
onward, he took on critical counterterrorism roles within the 101st Special Forces Battalion
and the elite 71st Counterterrorism Unit. His positions included Assault Squad Leader,
Rapid Intervention Team Commander, Special Forces Instructor, and Intelligence Officer.
In 1990 he graduated from the Infantry Officers Basic Course # 4–90 and the Ranger
Course #10–90 at the US Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. He also served in
1994 as a Military Information Officer with the UN Protection Forces in the former
Yugoslavia. UNPROFOR.
In 1995 he attended the PEP (Personnel Exchange Program) with the U.S Special Forces on the USAJFKSWCS (United State Army John Frank Kennedy Special Warfare Center School) in Fort Bragg North Carolina at SWTG (special Warfare Training Group) B company, he graduated from the Special Forces Qualification course class # (5-95), and the ITC (Instructor Training Course.
On March 16, 1999, under royal directive, he was appointed Commander of the 71st Counterterrorism Battalion—a role he held in two separate terms, overseeing sensitive national and regional security operations.
Internationally, in 2004, BG. (R) Alzaben had participated the first PTSS (Program on Terrorism
and Security Studies) Seminar (04-8), in George C. Marshall (European Center for Security
Studies), where he was selected as a Guest speaker for several Senior Executive Seminars. In
2005, he completed the Counterterrorism Fellowship Program at the National Defense University (Washington, D.C.) and earned a (M.A) master’s degree in strategic security studies, War College Diploma and later he eatrned the Chancellor’s Award 2010–2011 (CISA, NDU)
In 2007, BG. (R).Aref Alzaben was appointed Special Forces Advisor to the Republican Guard in Yemen. He later joined the Oversight Strategy Board (OSB) of the King Abdullah II Special
Operations Training Center (KASOTC), where he would ultimately serve as Deputy Director
General and then General Director/Military Commandant from 2013 to 2016.
In 2010, he Commanded Task Force 222/C, in Afghanistan with the ISAF, as part of the US
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team , during his command in Afghanistan BG. (R). Alzaben has awarded the US Meritorious Service Medal from the President of the United States Of America for his Exceptionally Meritorious Service In support of Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan with the ISAF. During his command, COL Alzaben was responsible for creating and implementing an information operations campaign ” Voice of Moderate Islam” to win the Hearts and Minds through the support of the local population. To do this, he focused on a religious approach that demonstrated the dangers of the radical interpretation of Islam of insurgents operating in the region. During his command, he reached out to religious scholars and other community leaders to show them a moderate picture of Islam through an initiative designed to highlight the immorality of justifying terrorism in the name of Islam.
Following his return, he commanded the 37th Royal Special Forces Brigade and, in 2012, received the USSOCOM Medal from Admiral William H. McRaven for his outstanding contributions to global special operations—a distinction held by only a select few. Previous recipient of the Award includes GEN. Schoomaker former (Chief of Staff of the US. Army). AMB Ann Patterson (Ambassador to Egypt and former Ambassador to Pakistan), and DR. Michel Vickers (Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
In June 2013, BG. (R).Aref Alzaben was appointed Deputy Director General and Military
Commandant of the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), a premier
international facility dedicated to advanced counterterrorism and special operations training. Less than a year later, on April 14, 2014, he was promoted to General Director and Military
Commandant of KASOTC, where he oversaw strategic planning, training operations, and
international cooperation initiatives.
On January 5, 2016, BG. (R).Aref Alzaben officially relinquished command of KASOTC to pursue academic advancement and focus on countering violent extremism through education and public engagement. He subsequently retired from the Jordanian Armed Forces and began doctoral studies in Philosophy in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom. (Un-Accomplished).
Since retiring from active duty in 2016,, BG. (R).Aref Alzaben has dedicated his efforts to
promoting moderate Islamic values and counter-extremism , counter-radicalization and scholarly work through his initiative, “Voice of Moderate Islam.” He continues to actively participate in global seminars/ and international symposia on terrorism, security, and ideological warfare. He has lectured extensively at universities and institutions worldwide, contributing thought leadership on counterterrorism strategies and religious discourse.as a visiting lecturer, including at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Befler Center and the Arab Thought Foundation.
On 30 November 2016 he Joined Gov-Source, Inc as Senior Adviser for Middle East Affairs.On 2 nd September 2020 he joined Global SOF Foundation in Florida as an Advisory Council Member. On January 1, 2017, he was selected to join the Qatari Joint Special Forces as an advisor to the Special Forces Commander until June 30, 2023.
Recently, in his Book “CALL SIGN CHAOS” the Former United States Secretary of
Defense, James N. Mattis wrote about Col. Aref Alzaben on page 243 about his leadership in
Afghanistan as Task Force Commander .
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4479112/user-clip-voices-moderate-islam
https://www.belfercenter.org/event/future-terrorism-what-comes-next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1pHCOkegZo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg83WdiCX_8&t=120s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kmW3fCxGds
https://gsof.org/gen-ret-aref-alzaben/