During the Iran–Iraq War hundreds of thousands volunteered for the Basij, including children as young as 12 and unemployed old men, some in their eighties.
Selama Perang Iran–Irak, ratusan ribu orang menjadi relawan Basij, dari anak-anak berusia 12 tahun hingga lelaki tua pengangguran yang berusia hampir 80 tahun.