The Baseej or Basij means "Mobilization" and is volunteer militia founded by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979.
Their numbers are open to debate and range from around 400,000 to over a million strong. The Baseej have a presence in most large Iranian cities and towns. Becoming a member of the paramilitary force allows for various state benefits including exemption from military service and possibly a guaranteed spot at a college or university.
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