It is a separate service within the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) and although equipped to carry out land defense operations, it is not part of the Royal Army of Oman.

[3][4] The RGO is a personal security and ceremonial unit responsible for the protection of the Sultan and other senior members of the royal family.

[5] There are two other Royal Household partner organizations which directly interface with the RGO, they are: The RGO can trace its history back to the small groups of lightly armed Askaris that guarded the palaces and forts of the Sultans of Oman, many habitually recruited from East Africa or loyal local tribesmen.

[12] It is equipped with a variety of wheeled armoured and soft-skinned combat vehicles; as well as light and heavy support weapons.

[16][17] The RGO also administers the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra and its own technical college, both based at separate sites in Seeb.