The Syrian military was a means for the historically underrepresented and poor Alawite minority to improve their social standing and become educated. Also, during the French occupation many Alawites were recruited by the French in Syria. The Sunni middle and upper class had always viewed a career in the military as something better suited for those of lower social standing. The Baath party had started as a purely political movement but after a number of military coups and purges the military came to control the party. The last of those purges was initiated by Bashar Al Assad.