18. Genghis Khan Professionalized Nomadic Warfare
Genghis Khan’s subjection of his men to rigorous training, drill, and discipline, revolutionized Steppe warfare. Tribal nomads were natural warriors, hardened by life in a harsh and often dangerous environment. Genghis transformed them from warriors into professional soldiers. He further revolutionized Steppe warfare by the placement of his men into a well-organized hierarchical structure, with an effective chain of command. In place of traditional ad hoc tribal units, based on kinship groups, he created a military organization based on decimals, with a hierarchy of ranks, and a base of squads of 10 men, known as an Arbans.
10 Arbans made a company of 100, known as a Zuun. 10 Zuuns made a regiment of 1000, known as a Minghan. 10 Minghans were formed into a division of 10,000, known as a Tuman. Two or more Tumans were formed into armies. A separate imperial guard of 10,000 men protected Genghis and key Mongol figures. Tumans are the more famous units, but Minghans were the more important outfit for the Mongols. The Great Khan saw to it that his men’s lives revolved around the Minghan, to which each Mongol was assigned for life. A typical Mongol might serve in various Tumans throughout his life, but he only served in a single Minghan. Indeed, to leave or even request a transfer from one’s Minghan to another was punishable by death.
