Understanding the Difference Between the Iranian Armed Forces: Sepah Pasdaran IRGC and Artesh

The Iranian military is comprised of two primary branches: the Artesh (Iranian Army) and the Sepah Pasdaran IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). While both serve the Republic of Iran, their roles, missions, and ideologies differ significantly. Comprehending these distinctions is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Iran's security forces.

The Iranian Army: Artesh

The Artesh, or Iranian Army, has a rich history that spans over a century. In the 20th century, it faced two major invasions: the Allied invasion in 1941 and the Iraqi invasion in 1980. Both of these events had profound impacts on Iran's stability and geopolitical standing. Since then, the Artesh has engaged in quelling internal rebellions and maintaining the sovereignty of Iranian territories.

Historically, the Iranian Army has played a significant role in various international conflicts. From the Dhofar Rebellion in Oman in the 1970s to the insurgency in Balochistan, Pakistan, and even the Vietnam War, Iranian troops have been deployed across different regions. In recent years, the special forces of Iran have been involved in the Syrian Civil War, highlighting the Artesh's continued relevance in regional and global conflicts.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: IRGC

The Sepah Pasdaran, or IRGC, was founded after the Iranian Revolution in 1979 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Unlike the Artesh, which is primarily tasked with defending borders and maintaining internal order, the IRGC has a more complex and multifaceted mission. It not only defends the country but also serves as a strategic force for the preservation of the Islamic Republic of Iran's political system.

The IRGC's primary mission is to protect the Islamic Republic from foreign interference and internal coups. It operates independently from the regular military and has its own separate command structure. This separation from the traditional military forces is a key aspect of the IRGC's identity and operational capabilities. Furthermore, the IRGC is designated as a terrorist organization by several governments, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, due to its involvement in various regional conflicts and its perceived threat to regional stability.

Structure and Capabilities

As of 2011, the IRGC had at least 250,000 military personnel, including ground, aerospace, and naval forces. Its naval forces are now the primary forces tasked with operational control of the Persian Gulf, reflecting the strategic importance of this region for the IRGC. Additionally, the IRGC controls the Basij, a paramilitary organization with approximately 90,000 active personnel, which serves as a civilian vigilante force during wartime and as a reserve force for the IRGC.

The IRGC has a robust media arm known as Sepah News, which serves to disseminate information and propaganda. This media operation is a crucial component of the IRGC's strategic communications and public relations efforts, promoting its ideology and operations to both domestic and international audiences.

Conclusions

In summary, while the Artesh (Iranian Army) and the Sepah Pasdaran IRGC both serve in the interest of Iran, their roles, missions, and ideologies differ significantly. The Artesh, with its long history of defending Iran's borders and maintaining internal order, has a broader focus on territorial defense and internal stability. In contrast, the IRGC, formed to protect the Islamic Republic's political system, has a more strategic and ideological purpose, with significant implications for regional security.

Understanding these differences is essential for comprehending the complex dynamics of Iran's military and security apparatus, which continues to play a significant role in regional and global affairs.

Keywords: Sepah Pasdaran, Iranian Armed Forces, Artesh, IRGC