Gordon energetically organised the defence of Khartoum right from the moment he arrived in Khartoum, using his training as a military engineer to turn the city into a fortress. Additionally, Gordon had guns and armoured plating attached to the paddle wheel streamers stationed at Khartoum to create his own private riverine navy that served as an effective force against the "Ansar". The Turkish troops at Khartoum were not part of the Ottoman Army, but rather "bashi-bazouks", irregulars whom Gordon commented were good for raids, but useless for battle.