Gendarmerie Special Public Order Command (JÖAK)

Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie (JÖAK) is a special operations unit under the General Command of the 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 nationwide, 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 intervening with a high level of preparedness and specially trained personnel in incidents within its mandate, both during peacetime and crisis periods.

Following the increased demands after the 17 August 1999 Marmara Earthquake, the Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie enhanced its organizational structure within a more systematic and professional framework. In 2001, the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue Battalion Command (JAK) was established, and this unit was incorporated into the Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie in 2004. Thus, specialized elements in areas such as disaster response, mountaineering, underwater search and rescue, and technical rescue were unified under a single command structure.

Since its establishment, JÖAK has distinguished itself not only through security operations but also through its professional approach to social events, 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 Personnel at Teknofest İzmir (Photo: Hümeyra Yılmaz)

History

The institutional foundations of the Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie (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, in particular, exposed the lack of a professional structure capable of effectively responding to disasters across the country. In this context, the General Command of the Gendarmerie moved to consolidate search and rescue and special intervention capabilities under a single umbrella.

The first step was the establishment of the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue Battalion Command (JAK) in 2001. JAK consisted of units equipped with trained personnel and technical equipment specifically for disaster response. In 2004, this battalion was integrated into the broader structure of the Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie, 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 the Gendarmerie. Over the years, JÖAK has strengthened its technical infrastructure, improved training quality, and refined its personnel selection process. It has played an active role in numerous domestic and international operations and interventions. Notably, JÖAK’s search and rescue teams were actively deployed during the 2011 Van Earthquake, the 2020 Elazığ Earthquake, and the 2023 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş.

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

Organizational Structure

Gendarmerie Commando Operations Battalion Command (JOPER)

The Gendarmerie Commando Operations Battalion Command is a significant force composed of units specialized for special operations.

Special Operations Teams

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 a vital role in ensuring public safety.

Sniper Team

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

Explosive Ordnance Detection and Disposal Unit

This unit is responsible for detecting and neutralizing bombs and explosive materials either remotely or through direct intervention. Additionally, specially trained mine and explosive detection dogs form an essential component of this unit.

JAK Training (AA)

Gendarmerie Commando Search and Rescue Battalion Command (JAK)

The Gendarmerie Commando Search and Rescue Battalion Command operates at the forefront of search and rescue activities during disasters and emergencies. It is prepared to respond effectively to all types of natural and human-caused catastrophes across Türkiye. JAK performs these duties most effectively through its Special Search and Rescue Division, which includes teams specialized in disaster response, mountaineering, underwater search and rescue, and canine search and rescue.

Disaster Search and Rescue Teams

We actively participate in saving lives and locating injured persons 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.

Canine Search and Rescue Team

Our canine team locates 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 silent cries and reunite individuals with their loved ones.

Mountaineering Teams

Our mountaineering teams are deployed to rescue missing or injured individuals 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 challenging environments.

Underwater Teams

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

JÖAK Officers (AA)

Training and Selection Process

The selection of personnel for the Special Public Order Command of the Gendarmerie (JÖAK) is conducted through a highly meticulous, 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 requirements.

Application and Preliminary Evaluation

Personnel selection for JÖAK is generally conducted from within the General Command of the Gendarmerie and is based on voluntary participation. Applicants must meet basic criteria, including prior military service experience, high disciplinary records, and the absence of any disciplinary sanctions. Candidates are first screened through medical examinations and security investigations.

Physical Fitness and Endurance Tests

Candidates who pass the application process undergo demanding physical fitness tests. These include running, sit-ups, push-ups, weight lifting, balance, and speed assessments. Additionally, specialized endurance tests in areas such as mountaineering, swimming, high-angle descent (rapelling), and similar disciplines are conducted.

Psychotechnical and Interview Process

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

Specialized Training

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.

Continuous In-Service Training

JÖAK personnel participate in periodic drills and refresher training throughout their service. These programs maintain physical fitness and ensure adaptation to new technologies and tactical developments. Participation in international exercises and exchange programs further enhances personnel experience.

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