As Ghenghis Khan's empire grew the Mongol army grew in size but was decreasingly Mongol in an ethnic sense. The Turco-Mongol units of Urghurs, Kirghiz and other Ural-Altaic tribes became major elements of the great host.

At the summit of the military pyramid were the members of Genghis Khan's family. Beneath them were the aristocracy of the Mongol class. A small part of this Mongol army were the ten thousand strong Mongol professionals, the Khan's Guardsmen. These highly skilled, dedicated and seasoned warriors protected the Khan.

The Guardsmen ranked above other members of the army and most of the Khan's generals were selected from this elite group. The Guardsmen continued to serve the Khakhan through the reign of Kubilai Khan.