1. Merit-Based Hierarchy:
- Genghis Khan restructured the tribal leadership system and introduced a merit-based hierarchy.
- Individuals could rise to positions based on their abilities and contributions, regardless of their social or tribal background.
2. Organization by Tens and Hundreds:
- The Mongols organized their forces into units of tens (arban), hundreds (jagun), thousands (mingghan), and ten thousands (tumen).
- Each unit was led by an experienced and capable commander who reported to the next higher level commander.
3. Strict Discipline:
- Discipline was strictly enforced within the Mongol army.
- Deserters were severely punished, and obedience to orders was paramount.
4. Swift Mobility:
- The Mongol army was highly mobile, owing to their extensive use of horses.
- They employed hit-and-run tactics, lightning strikes, and rapid maneuvering to outmaneuver their opponents.
5. Horse Archers:
- The Mongols were renowned for their mastery of horseback archery.
- Mongol warriors could shoot their arrows with great accuracy while riding at full speed.
6. Communication:
- Genghis Khan established an effective communication system using relay horses and signal fires.
- This allowed for rapid transmission of orders and coordination between different units.
7. Intelligence and Scouting:
- Genghis Khan placed great emphasis on gathering intelligence about enemy strengths, weaknesses, and territories.
- Skilled scouts would infiltrate enemy territories to gather crucial information.
8. Military Strategy and Tactics:
- The Mongols employed a variety of military strategies and tactics, including encircling their opponents, feigning retreats, and using terror and psychological warfare to overwhelm their enemies.
9. Adaptability and Learning:
- The Mongols were not only skilled warriors but also adaptable to different situations.
- They were willing to learn from their experiences and adopt new tactics from conquered peoples.
10. Unified Command:
- Overall, Genghis Khan maintained a unified command structure with himself at the helm.
- He made strategic decisions and ensured coordination between different Mongol armies and campaigns.
The military organization established by Genghis Khan was instrumental in the Mongol Empire's success and expansion, making it one of the most formidable and influential military forces in history.