Republican Guard

From Daily Escape

The Iraqi Republican Guard (Arabic: الحرس العراقي الجمهوري) (RG) is the core of the Iraqi military. Originally formed to be Saddam Hussein's bodyguard, it has since been expanded into a large military force.

There are 100,000 troops in the Republican Guard. The RG fields two corps, consisting of one infantry division, a special forces division, two mechanized infantry divisions, and three armored divisions.

The Republican Guard are the elite troops of the Iraqi army, easily recognizable by their red boots (as opposed to the black boots worn by the regular army). The RG is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment purchased from the Soviet bloc. Specializing in both urban warfare and guerrilla warfare, the Republican Guard is a force to be reckoned with.

[edit] Special Republican Guard

The Iraqi Special Republican Guard (SRG) was formed from the Iraqi Republican Guard and founded in 1992. It is charged with protecting the president, Saddam Hussein, responding to any threat to his power (such as a rebellion or coup), and protecting Baghdad.

The Special Republican Guard receive better pay and benefits than members of the Republican Guard and the regular army. There are 20,000 members of the Special Republican Guard, drawn primarily from clans loyal to Saddam and his regime. It consists of four brigades and two commands.

[edit] Order of battle

• 1st Republican Guard (Northern) Corps
  • 2nd Al Medina Armored Division
  • 5th Baghdad Mechanized Division; a square division of four brigades, able to be split into two small half-divisions.
  • 7th Adnan Infantry Division

• 2nd Republican Guard (Southern) Corps
  • Al Nida Armored Division
  • 6th Nebuchadnezzer Mechanized Division
  • 1st Hammurabi Armored Division

• As Saiqa Special Forces Division - independent unit containing:
  • 1 special forces brigade
  • 1 paratroop brigade
  • 1 marine brigade
  • Numerous commando units.

• Special Republican Guard
  • 1st Brigade (Security)
  • 2nd Brigade (Combat)
  • 3rd Brigade (Combat)
  • 4th Brigade (Armored)
  • Air Defense Command (two regiments, three batteries)
  • Tank Command (two regiments)