Republican Guard: The 70,000 to 100,000 men are divided into six divisions. They are controlled by Saddam’s younger son and heir, Qusai.

Special Republican Guard: Assigned to the personal protection of Saddam, they number 12,000 to 15,000. But they are believed to be able to mobilize 20,000 to 25,000 men. The Special Republican Guard is divided into four brigades. Its members are the most highly trained in the Iraqi military.

Special Security Organization: About 5,000 of these men are controlled by Qusai. Based in Baghdad, they are responsible for guarding presidential sites. These forces are among those that may have access to chemical or biological weapons.

General Security Services: Based in Baghdad, about 8,000 are assigned as spies in every neighborhood. They also spy on foreign journalists and have conducted surveillance on United Nations inspectors.

Mukhabarat (Department of General Intelligence): Fiercely loyal to Saddam, 4,000 to 6,000 men are assigned to spy on foreigners and suspected dissidents. They also operate in other Middle East countries.

Fedayeen Saddam (Saddam’s Men of Sacrifice): Formed in 1995 by Saddam’s elder son, Uday, the group based in Baghdad has 20,000 to 40,000 members.

Eshbal Saddam (Lions of Saddam): The size of this paramilitary organization is unknown. It is made up of boys 10 to 16 who are loyal to Saddam.

Al Quds (Jerusalem) Brigades: This volunteer civilian defense force of about 1 million includes men and women. They are trained in basic armed combat and are armed with light weapons.

Youth (Civil Defense) Force: Formed in 1999, these teens receive paramilitary training. It isn’t clear whether this force will be deployed or was created for propaganda value.

Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies.