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(U) Military Culture and Society
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Warrior Tradition
This section discusses the warrior or war or military tradition of the tribes.(U) The Bakhtiari military traditions has developed from traditional warlordism, not national military institutions. Competition over resources motivated traditional feuds between tribes, and members of one’s own tribe are not off-limits for raiding or thieving.
(U) Before the 20th century, mounted warriors from the nomadic tribes, including the Bakhtiari, provided an integral source of mercenaries for the state. At the same time, the tribes were a security threat because of this power. Therefore, the state had a difficult relationship with the tribes because they needed but distrusted them. Today, tribal warriors are no longer an important component of Iran's military.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Effects of a Nomadic Lifestyle on Warrior Ethos
This describes the effects of the nomadic lifestyle on military ethos.(U) Nomads are mobile and adaptable to their environment. This ability helps them to be militarily adaptable. The khans of major tribes like the Bakhtiari once commanded well-armed cavalry made up of an entourage of kinsmen and personal followers as well as families from subordinate leaders. Into the turn of the 20th century, these irregular militias played an enormous role in Iran's national politics, giving the tribes the ability to unseat or bring to power national governments. Today, some raiding continues, but the Lur and Bakhtiari no longer have the power or desire to overthrow the national government with military prowess, but remember when they did.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Military Tactics of the Bakhtiari
This describes the military of the Bakhtiari.(U) The Bakhtiari increased their land holdings by harassing their targets. When a neighboring village or tribe had political power to usurp or material possessions to obtain, the warriors of the tribe raided the village or tribe consistently over a period of months. These attacks were light enough to avoid inflicting too many casualties for either side, but heavy enough to cause the victims of the attack to eventually meet the khans and agree to their terms.
Schwarz Kathryn(U) Weaponry
This section describes the weapons the tribes have.(U) The Bakhtiari received modern weaponry from the British in the early 20th century. These weapons are distributed unevenly within the tribe because they are usually obtained as spoils from war or purchased at exorbitant prices. Because of the price, these weapons are generally owned by groups that are powerful already or by groups linked by birth or political persuasion to the khans. In recent decades, though, the government has disarmed most of the tribese, leaving them with only antiquated weapons.
(U) Stone-throwing is a prized accomplishment for the Bakhtiari. At a young age, children are taught to throw stones at the dogs that constantly roam around the camp. They are encouraged to throw stones at young lambs and baby goats to keep them close to the herd. When these children mature, they throw stones with amazing and often lethal accuracy. When approaching an unknown camp, a Bakhtiari will arm himself with a handful of stones.
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(U) Integration into National Military
This section describes how the Bakhtiari was integrated into national society through the military.(U) Greater integration of the Bakhtiari into national society occurred through education and the military, but the post-Revolution military, called the Artesh, is considerably different from the military under the Shah. In the 1950s, as Reza Shah tried to increase the nationalist fervor and create a single, Iranian identity. He conscripted the tribal forces into a unified military, forcing Persians, Baluchs, Bakhtiaris, Lurs, and Kurds to train together. Many Bakhtiari and Lur would still prefer to avoid conscription if possible and often rely on their tribe to hide them when government agents come to investigate draft-dodging.
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