This research examines the organizational transformation of Jihad-e Sazandegi, one of the revolutionary institutions, and its vital role in consolidating the Islamic Revolution and improving the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The present study adopts a qualitative approach and utilizes a combined theoretical framework encompassing the elements of political opportunity, resource mobilization, and institutionalization level. The findings indicate that Jihad-e Sazandegi, in the process of institutional transformation, evolved from volunteer-based structures into a combat engineering institution with a strategic role in the war. The institutionalization level of this organization was enhanced through efficient organizational management by providing logistical infrastructure, combat engineering, war engineering research, and support services to fill gaps in support and war engineering alongside the Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This experience provides a model for analyzing defense institution-building in crisis situations.

he institutionalization level of this organization was enhanced through efficient organizational management by providing logistical infrastructure, combat engineering, war engineering research, and support services to fill gaps in support and war engineering alongside the Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This experience provides a model for analyzing defense institution-building in crisis situations.