The Shah had started the buildup in the early 1970's after the British nominally gave "independence" to the UAE artificial puppet regime. Iran's involment in Oman was his effort to please the west. Meanwhile, he literally gave away Bahrain rather than support the Bahraini majority will to join the motherland Iran. Iranian military in 1970's was barely ready for a major power projection and did suffer casualties in Oman. Iran was saved in the Jange Tahmili only by the sheer dint of its nationalism and size. Saddam was an idiot who simply did not understand strategic mass like Hitler underestimated the USSR and its size. The Sepah is a product of the Iran and Iraq war and is also not that well equipped. Iran has failed to provide basic modern battlefield kits to either the Sepah or Artesh. The Russians have the most modern and effective RATNIK (warrior) field body armor and uniforms in the world today. At least Iran should be equipping the Sepah with similar system, which are not that costly.