Syrian Army

The Syrian Army, officially called the Syrian Arab Army, is the land forces branch of the Syrian Armed Forces. It is the dominant military service of the four uniformed services, controlling the seniormost posts in the armed forces, and has the most manpower, approximately 80 percent of the combined services.

Pollack writes that the Syrian army was formed by the French after World War I, after the French obtained a mandate over the region. In 1919 the French formed the Troupes Spéciales du Levant with 8,000 men, which later grew into both the Syrian and Lebanese armies. This force was used primarily as an auxiliary in support of French troops, and senior officer posts were held by Frenchmen, although Syrians were allowed to hold commissions below the rank of major.

History

As Syria gained independence in 1946, its leaders envisioned a division-sized army. The 1st Brigade was ready by the time of Syrian war against Israel on May 15, 1948. It consisted of two infantry battalions and one armoured battalion. The 2nd Brigade was organized during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and also included two infantry battalions and one armoured battalion.Morris, Benny (2008), 1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War, p. 251. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-15112-1.

Pollack says that at the time of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the army was small, poorly armed, and poorly trained. 'Paris had...
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