Across global militaries, diverse political systems, and even within liberation movements and irregular armed groups, there are shared criteria—often standardized—for the selection of commanders. Among the most prominent of these are courage, physical fitness, professional competence, accountability, and loyalty to the respective system or group. From a natural selection standpoint, command—and leadership more broadly—is a form of individual talent not possessed by all.
Although managers at various levels fulfill numerous formal and functional duties, military commanders, by contrast, are primarily engaged in combat missions. Their decisions, strategies, and innovations revolve around combat operations, and their knowledge and practical execution serve the attainment of military objectives.
Nonetheless, motivation, as an internal phenomenon, stands apart from official job duties and organizational roles. A commander’s morale often hinges on such inner motivation. While morale is derived from personal motivation, thought itself arises from ideological insight and plays a significant role in shaping motivations. In essence, the core of an individual's—particularly a commander’s—personality is deeply rooted in their mode of thinking.
Moreover, the ideas and perspectives of commanders are never entirely separate from the dominant thought patterns within their cultural context. The accepted beliefs of any ruling system shape the collective worldview of its armed forces. One of the most transformative and truth-seeking ideologies to emerge in the final two decades of the 20th century is the Basij thought, founded by Imam Khomeini (may God have mercy on him).
This doctrine, which is inextricably linked with the Islamic Revolution, has influenced all dimensions of the Islamic Republic’s development. However, its most prominent manifestation has been in the arenas of sacrifice and national defense, where it has played a vital role in shaping the character and identity of commanders within Iran's armed forces.
The present article is an effort to explore and elucidate this sacred phenomenon.