The military posture and organizational structure of the armed forces of each country, as well as the participation of the people in matters of defense and national security, are subject to various criteria and parameters, including threats, aspirations, human resources, financial and natural resources, the degree of popular orientation of the government, ideology, and so forth. The Islamic Republic, which was established after the victory of the Islamic Revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, required organized popular participation in view of its ideals, the popular nature of the system, and the potential and actual threats facing it. Accordingly, on 5 Azar 1358 (November 26, 1979), drawing upon Islamic thought and Qur’anic teachings, Imam Khomeini ordered the formation of a 20-million-member army and called upon all young people and other segments of society to join the Basij. Following the Imam’s order and the entry of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into the field of training and organizing the people in mosques, together with the enthusiastic participation of young people, the initial nuclei of the Basij were formed throughout the country. With the emergence of the unrest in Kurdistan and other provinces, the IRGC, in cooperation with Basij forces, took steps to confront the plots of global arrogance. Following the military invasion of the Islamic territory by the Iraqi Ba’athist regime, the Basij reached its peak in popular resistance in the border cities of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Kermanshah, particularly during the 25-day resistance of the people and Basij members in Khorramshahr. As the war continued, the role and presence of the people in the war became increasingly prominent. In addition to confronting the enemy and creating transformation on the war fronts, the Basij trained martyrdom-seeking combatants and distinguished and courageous commanders. Despite all the enemy’s efforts to defeat the Islamic Republic, the Basij, relying on God and mobilizing the people on the battlefield, maintained a presence in various spheres and roles within society. The existence of thousands of Basij resistance bases throughout the country in cities and villages, schools, factories, universities, and seminaries, as well as the membership of approximately 10 million Basij members from various social groups—including school students, university students, seminary students, women, villagers, nomads, workers, and others—provided the Basij with another manifestation and dimension. During the period of peace, economic reconstruction, and cultural activities, the Basij continued its activities. The establishment of sustainable security is possible only through popular participation involving all social groups, ethnicities, languages, and religions of the country. This can be achieved through the preparedness, training, organization, and proper deployment of Basij forces in IRGC combat bases, Ashura battalions, cultural groups, and development and construction units. The strong and active presence of the Basij in the cultural sphere will contribute to the realization of the 20-million-member army. Institutionalizing security through the presence of the people in the Basij and their participation in development activities, combating crimes and social corruption, defending national interests and conducting extraterritorial defense, confronting riots and domestic crises, collecting public intelligence, and combating ruffians and outlaws will be possible.