Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps was established as a separate branch of Iran’s Armed Forces after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. They are tasked with a very specific mission, protect the regime’s Islamic Republic system. Meaning, they play an enormous role in Iranian society, politics, economy and military. The Revolutionary Guards jumped into action in 2009 during the protests against the presidential election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, helping to silence dissent. Protesters argued that the elections had been manipulated and rigged. The Revolutionary Guards censored the news and internet, made mass arrests and killed around 70 protestors. Opposition leaders claim that the prisoners are tortured and raped, and some have even died while in prison.
9. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
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Active: 1979–present Country: Iran Allegiance: Supreme Leader of Iran Branch: General Staff Ground Force: Aerospace Force Navy: Quds Force Basij Mobilization Force Size: 120,000–125,000 Motto(s): "Prepare against them what force you can." (وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ) [Quran 8:60] (Heraldry slogan) Engagements: See list Commanders: Chief Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari Quds Force: Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani Chief of the Joint Staff: Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hejazi Ground Forces: Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour Aerospace Force: Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh Navy: Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi Mobilization forces: Brig. Gen. Gholamhossein Gheybparvar
