An Overview of Military Service in Iran

There are just five days remained to my service (next Tuesday).  Before writing more on this blog about my experiences I thought it's a good idea to write about Iranian military organizations, their history and military service to let my foreign readers know more about things that will be discussed here.

Iran has two main military organizations:

• Artesh (traditional armies as what you see in many countries).
• Sepah or Guards Corps (a new organization that is created after Islamic Revolution and currently it's the main organization in Iran).

There is also a semi-military organization of volunteer peoples named Basij that is a division of Sepah but doesn't act as an active organization for now.  Many people (I think more than 20 million peoples) are a member of Basij because government gives out good positions and opportunities for Basij members in organizations, universities and ...  It's simple, being a Basij member guarantees your future in Iran.  You can read more about history and structure of these organizations on Wikipedia.

Artesh and Sepah are both a part of Iranian Ministry of Defense but Sepah is the main one (usually guys from Sepah are chosen as minister of defense to be able to control Artesh as well).  Iranian government trusts on them more than Artesh and uses them in strategic positions.  For example Iranian Airports are secured by Sepah armies not Police forces (like other countries).  On the other hand Sepah is the owner of many projects inside Iran.  Many roads, buildings, companies, banks and ... are built or managed by Sepah.

Most of western countries consider Sepah and Basij as terrorist groups.  You may know that recently United States armies attacked to Iranian embassy and arrested some diplomats and said that they're Sepahi and terrorist and it was top news for some weeks.  I don't want to get in details about this topic and just wanted to give a short introduction.

Sepah and Artesh are two different organizations.  Artesh is a popular organization and its members are normal people but most of Sepah members are government fans so I think this is one of reasons for western governments to consider them as terrorist groups.  Sepah and Artesh both have same military branches (air force, army, navy and ...) but Sepah is a professional organization and Artesh has been kept traditional.

In Iran each man who passes 18 and doesn't study in schools or universities must serve in required military service (there are many exceptions considering their health and family).  If they don't serve then government won't let them to sell or buy anything officially or get passport to leave Iran (and several other restrictions).  Although there are many restrictions like these but there are many young men who don't serve and are living easily.  Currently military service takes 20 months and depending on your degree and some other parameters you must pass a training from 2 to 4 months.  After this while you must spend remained months as a soldier in one of military organizations, camps or government ministries and organizations.  I don't know about other degrees but guys with BS (like me) will be an officer after training.

If you can find a position in one of government organizations or ministries then you'll have a great chance to pass your military service in a good place otherwise they will choose a place for you.  You can serve in Sepah, Artesh or Police forces but serving in Sepah needs you to be a member of Basij group as an active member for at least 6 months.  Serving in Sepah is very easy and many guys compare it with Hotel because you just go to holidays and enjoy your time in this organization.  But most of us should serve in Artesh or Iranian Ministry of Defense where things are hard and usually we should meet with thousands of idiots.  The main annoying thing in military service is this.  Usually your commander is an idiot who tries to waste your time (because he has this command from upper levels).

After finishing your university or school you have a timeline to register for military service.  After registering they will call you to start your service in 2-6 months (normally).  One or two weeks before starting your training you will receive a mail that contains a code.  This code specifies your training camp and you will know where is it at first day of your service (when you must go to some places to get initial information about your training).

Having these said, as I'm not a government fan and I don't want to be considered as a terrorist, never joined to Basij to be able to serve in Sepah so most likely I will serve in Artesh.  Last week I got my code and now I'm awaiting to see what will happen.  Thankfully things are getting better and aren't as bad as what I had anticipated.  Hopefully I can write more details next week when I get more information and start my service officially.

With current rules my military service ends at 22nd October 2008.  Over the past years I had many plans for my life after this date and I'm very close to it.  You can imagine that how restricted I was in Iran and how hard were things for me during these 22 years.  This end date is like a birthday for me.  In recent months I missed many great job positions offered around the world.  How many opportunities did I miss!  I'm sorry for myself!  I'm like a guy who wants to run faster and faster to get free, to see the world, to ...

Take it easy!