Syria’s new army has been plagued with challenges since the fall of the regime. Most significant has been the arduous process of discipling and professionalizing both the new recruits and the veteran fighters. Transitioning from a “revolutionary mindset” to a “state mindset” has been a key aspect of both the MoD’s and MoI’s training efforts. For the Ministry of Defense, the Moral Guidance Authority plays a central role in these efforts.
The Authority existed under the Assad regime, but at that time was used primarily as an additional layer of Baath indoctrination and surveillance over army personnel, and was overwhelming staffed by Alawi officers. The new Authority blends nation-building rhetoric with Islamic principles to enforce the army’s new code of conduct, while also developing and conducting morale and psychological assessments for recruits.
I recently interviewed an officer from the Moral Guidance Authority about its past and current roles. Below is an edited transcript of that interview.