memory alone. Uniforms and insignia Imperial Guard units were distinguished by salmon (light red) coloured insignia. The Pahlavi Cavalry Guard had special blue and red ceremonial uniforms, including silver cuirasses and crested helmets. Iranian Revolution The Imperial Guard remained loyal to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi until his departure for exile in January 1979. After two days of fighting from the 9th through 11 February, against armed civilians and dissident Air Force and Army personnel, the Imperial Guard was withdrawn to its bases. The Guard was disbanded on 17 February 1979. The Javidan Guard was formally dissolved by the new Iranian regime, although some portions of the wider Imperial Guard remained in existence. These remaining units were stripped of their historical privileges and duties and integrated into the 21st Division of the regular Army Ground Forces. They saw action in the Iran–Iraq War. Commanders of the Imperial Guard The last commander of the Imperial Guard at the time of the 1979 Iranian Revolution was Lieutenant General Ali Neshat. One of the former Guard commanders was General Gholam Ali Oveisi (1960–1965). One of the original commanders, General Jafar Shafaghat, during the last months prior to the fall of the monarchy in 1979 was appointed by the Shah as the minister of defense (the literal translation of this post from Persian is minister of war) under Shapour Bakhtiar Cabinet until the fall of the government. Commanders of the unit were: Capt. Jafar Shafaghat and Capt. Bayandor (commanders of two rival companies with rotating responsibility) 2nd Col. Iraj Mahvi (two companies unified and expanded to a brigade) Abbas Gharabaghi (a new "special guard" was created under his command) Amirgholi Zargham Col. Nematollah Nassiri (1951–65) Maj. Gen Abdolali Badrei (1974–79) Maj. Gen. Ali Neshat (1979) See also History of Iran Military history of Iran References 1942 establishments in Iran 1979 disestablishments in Iran Organisations of the Iranian Revolution Guard Former guards regiments Royal guards Military units and formations disestablished in 1979