They dress kinda goofy but remember, these guys are trained with the melee weapons and also have sig p220s and sig 552s. They are all selected from the actual swiss army. Pretty badass.
"Selected" is a tad optimistic but we can say that out of the volountaries some are selected. Now they get a more professional training than a few years ago with new systems and weaponry. A friend of mine was down in Rome giving new instruction, he is an instructor with the Swiss Military Police. Let's say they have a good protection detail instruction.
Well during the medieval times, the Swiss were known as blood thirsty warriors so European nations would contract with local Swiss cantons and hire the Swiss as guards including: The Pope and ever since they have worn the same uniform and carried the same weapons including the halberd a hybrid of a spear and axe.
Bunch of fools attacking and insulting a tradition that spans centuries. Have some respect, will you? Oh wait, I guess you can't; because maybe they are Christian and that offends you. I am atheist and at least I have fucking respect for these traditions.
Grazie Rixille per la difesa ... ma cosa vuoi che ne sappiano di storia se l edificio piu antico che hanno è la CASABIANCA??? ;))) PS. Spero tu capisca l italiano ! ciao! da ROMA !
Anthony Nguyen I'm not sure if you got any answer on that. I'll try to help you. Every Swiss Guard in the Vatican has to be catholic and has to have served in the Swiss Armed Forces. There we officially don't have special forces, although we have different Elite Troops specialiced in different branches.
After there was an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, the Guard became more functional as a protective detail. Prior to that, there were pretty much what you said: guys in fancy outfits with halberds. Now, they're pretty much the Vatican's version of the Secret Service. They pack the best German and Swiss small arms they can get: SIG pistols and rifles, as well as H&K weapons, and they also walked around in suits/combat gear when on protective duty. The fancy guys are for show.
Household guards traditionally wear antiquated-style costumes...look at the Yeomen of the Guard in Britain, or the Evizones in Greece; the design of all three date back to the 16th-17th centuries.
In Brazil too, we have two special Guard...a Presidential Guard and the Regimento de Cavalaria de Guardas(Cavalry). These two regiments use uniforms of the Empire of Brazil era
This Uniform was a Design by Michelangelo. This Guards has a training as a "personal Guard" All of this men are Soldiers of the Swiss Army. This men are trained with Krav Maga . Your Standard-Weapon is the StGw 90 a semi automatic Weapon made by SIG. For the daily Duty he has a SIG-Sauer. The Soldier calls you two times and then you have a bullet from the SIG-SAUER in your head or in the heart... Pretty Badass. And yeah thats it. Here a little Clip from a Soldier: www.srf.ch/sendungen/dok/schweizergarde-dienen-mit-leib-und-seele
Haha...they're just jealous they don't have elite mercenaries like the Swiss guards standing on guard for their leader....wait, what leader? which one?
To become a Swiss Guard you have to be a male, unmarried, a Swiss Citizen, Catholic, aged 19-30 and completed at least basic military training with Swiss forces. The minimum height is 174cm tall and be educated to Degree or Diploma level. The Pontifical Swiss Guards are the oldest and smallest army in the world being established in 1506, you have to be prepared to wear their famous colourful uniform and be on call 24/7 - 365 days per year. Oh .... and also be prepared to give your life to protect the Pope! Pretty Cool really!
A friend of mine, a coronel in the US Marines, not a Catholic, was on assignment in Italy. He visited the Vatican. When it became known that he was a coroner, he was invited by t g e Commandant of the Swiss Guard to watch their training and review their arms. He said that if he had to, he could t ake the Vatican with a company of Marines, but it would be a near thing. I then told him the tradition of the Guard was for them to fight until they knew the Pope was safe to the last man if necessary. My friend the coroner's face visibly paled. He made no other comment.
Whoa smh so many ignorant comments. Not been to Vatican City? Seems like none of you know the history of how Swiss guards came to be selected by the Vatican. Show a little respect.
@EastPennDrumline because Swiss soldiers always had a very high reputation for being loyal, hard working and very disciplined. They once were stationed all over Europe at important places. But the Swiss guard in the Vatican is the only one that still exists. They have been serving the Holy Father since 1506.
oldest army in the world, traced to swiss mercenaries in the 1400s. smallest too. but looks can be deceiving. these are all recruited from the swiss military.
@@bruensal7182 yes yes they are.. oldest and smallest in the world. The Swiss guards have been in existence for more than 500 years. Is there a military older than that? I would like to know.
@@bruensal7182 look it up. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the oldest standing army, which means they are still in active operation. They may just look very ceremonial but they are more than that. They are an active military unit responsible for protecting the Pope at all costs. It has been in existence since 1506 and has never been disbanded. Some armies were founded before them, but they have either disbanded on peacetime or integrated in bigger military units.
@@karennanni2845 just because the swiss guard is found in 1506 and was never dismantled, it does not mean tgey are the oldest. The Turkish army in its modern structure of today was found in 270b.c. The british army is at least as old as 1347 (battle of crecy), if not older. The british army never was really changed, exceot of the times of charles the fifth, but those were minor changes. The spanish army exists since the spanish kingdom was found, back in the 12. Or 13. Century. The swiss guard is definitely not the oldest army pf the workd
@VictorLepanto The pale blue uniforms are the guards night uniorms. They are worn as the day moves into evening and throughout the night. Early in the moring the guardsmen return to the more colourful day uniforms. Hope that helps.
Hey Susie, Thank-You for standing-up to People such as this, I admire Your courage toward People Who blame groups, as-well as The Individual. Christendom was deigned to ''hate sin, not the sinner''. But remember to keep Your patience and temperance with These People; after-all: They are also Virtues of The Christian-faith.
As I recall, the Swiss Guards at this gate were wearing their pale blue uniforms. I wonder, by what standards do the decide where the fancy multicolored uniform is to be worn & the lesser uniform are to be worn.
I had to watch that guy several times. His arms are actually swinging at a different rate than his steps; I've never seen that before. Wrong arm to foot, yes, but never different rate. (He must be a new recruit.)
The Swiss Guard is the only unit of Swiss citizens in foreign service...for centuries, the Swiss were recruited as mercenaries by many European powers and were often employed as guards because of their courage and steadfast loyalty (e.g. the slaughter of the Swiss Guard as they protected the Pope during the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the massacre of the French Swiss Guard at the Tuileries in 1792). The Papal Swiss Guard is the only "mercenary" force now allowed by Swiss law.
@rodjohnson69 Remember, this is not supposed to be a "military" unit, but a personal household guard. To use a UK comparison, the Swiss Guard is like the Yeomen of the Guard (the Beefeaters in Tudor uniforms) rather than the elaborately drilled Queen's Guard from the British army. That being said, only those who have top marks in arms skills and discipline during their national service in the Swiss Army are "invited" to join the Swiss Guard.
Their drill dates from the mid 17th Century, it wasn't until the mid 18th Century that drill became very precise. By the way, inside the building there are other Swiss guards in camouflaged battle dress and carrying Automatic weapons.
And let us keep in mind the quote of Chow Yun-fat in 'The Bullet-proof Monk', '' It is not about anger; it’s about Peace. It’s not about power: it’s about Grace. It is not about knowing Your enemy, -it’s all-about knowing Yourself. '' G-D bless.
@rodjohnson69 you are right, they are not as precise as any other army, actually they are pretty relaxed, they are allowed to talk to strangers, some of them are allowed to stand at ease and move as they want to (as you can see here). for someone who has seen other countries' guards and as a first time rome visitor it is a strange experience to see the most famous guardsmen of the world chatting with visitors and behaving like some pals would do.
I think, he was marching wrong. If the right foot is front, the arm swings back. If the right foot is in the back the arm swings forward. He did it wrong.
Those Swiss mercenaries are nothing to sneeze at, unlike the other Honor guards who guard monuments and museums these guys guard the vatican, which is a living breathing edifice, they have to deal with people more than as spectators...therefore they have to have a bit of flexibility to their changing of the guard. They are loaded for bear though, the firepower is within easy reach whenever they need it. They also know how to use and use well those halberds they are carrying around.
Hi. I just used a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS digital camera actually. It does do HD video. As far as uploading - I just used the regular upload button in the upper right after downloading the video to my computer.
The Swiss guards uniforms were designed by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. 500 years ago fashion was much different than today. Of course true style is always in fashion.
The Swiss Guard is a very old and respectable group of soldiers defending the Vatican. They are seen both in their traditional garb as well as in suits similar to US Secret Service. Sure they may not look intimidating, or may seem silly to some people. But believe me, suit or traditional wear, they get the job done most effectively. I would rather be the prey of a hungry lion than an enemy of the Swiss Guard.
Do not insult the swiss guard, they are something that are in high reguard, and very few get the honor to be, and yes they are military trained, of the swiss military, and in hand to hand combat with many wepons, they are not just ceremonial but are a real army also, and I think their other uniforms make them look handsome, not as flashy are the dress uniform but more laid back and almost like sailors of sorts and they are usually really tall and nice looking bet the ladies love them.
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The thing is, that the swiss guards aren't "military" in the sense as China, US or Russia has it. The Swiss Guard is, regarding history, the last mercenary group of Swiss to ever be contracted. They were assigned to protect the pope and wished for by the vatican as they were, at the time, the best mercenaries. The people here are fierce in their belief for the pope and god. They are not 'actual' 'military'.
well said.. you are actually the only person on here who did research.... i was commenting in one bloggers post earlier. i told him alot of them are actually hardcore.. they go through special forces training... and they also have a conceal weapon...
Not sure if anyone noticed, but is the young Halbadier with the glasses "Bear Marching"? Poor guy looked very awkward when he was marching to his post.
This is pretty cool but the marching is not good you left hand goes back when your left foot is forward. The 2 seemed to get confused about how that works starting at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="20">0:20</a>. and at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="58">0:58</a> that guy just walks right in front of the new guard. why? that ruins the mood of the 2 leaving guard gone and the lone sentry standing at his post. Nw suddenly this guys done and just walking around. when on duty, I see these guys as guards, when walking around like the guy at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="58">0:58</a>, I see clowns. if your gonna be in uniform stay on duty, if your gonna walk around, wear civilian clothing. I don't much about these guys and am just stating my opinion.
Not to barge in but the Vactican has one of the most outstanding militaries, although small, they are extremely well trained. Also it may look sloppy to you, but i'd imagine that halberd isn't exactly helping their form in any way.
I know, I just find it humorous that they have ceremonial guards standing around that can't do jack to a potential threat before they've had a trip to the armory. It's not like there aren't anyone around that actually do have a more suitable weapon, it just looks a little silly and counter-intuitive to the idea of a guard.
The replacement guard to 'square-gating' a term given to military members when they march incorrectly. He is not moving his arm in time with his steps. It's really annoying to watch after being in the military.
"A common misconception is that the dress uniform was designed by Michelangelo. In fact, guard commander Jules Repond created the present uniforms in 1914, taking inspiration from the work of the painter Raphael. ", "extended training in unarmed combat and with issue SIG P 75 pistols (a.k.a. P220) and Heckler & Koch submachine-guns.", u need also military school in Switzerland and highshool degree or professional diploma.
1) Founded: 1506. 2) Uniform probably based on Michelangelo Buonarroti's, besides battle dress. Halberd just for ceremony, SIG 550 auto rifles and SIG P226 for work. 3) All proceeding from Swiss Militia (not Army, Switzerland is a real citizens democracy, not like police sates mentioned) 4) Predecessors have fought for expample: May 6, 1527, 1000 German and Spanish soldiers attacked the Vatican. 150 Swiss guards fought guarding the Pope. Only 42 survived, Holy Father unharmed and free. Rgds.
Respect to these guys. Personally I prefer the ceremony of the Tomb of the unknown Soldier at Arlington it Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. I’m a sucker for pomp!
hello i would like to know what type of camara did you used to record this video please i would like to know thank you and how did you uploaded to youtube
The dress was designed by Michelangelo in the sixteenth century. People are surprised with this dress, but consider 'ok' the giant and disproportional helmet used by the guard of the English Queen. Or even worse, drool liters in ridiculous clothes of fashion shows, where women dress clothes designed by stylists psychotics
You're calling the Swiss Guard not very disciplined?? The Swiss are forbidden to serve in any other country other than theirs or the Vatican because their mercenaries are among the most feared and disciplined in the world.
A few guys, some military "choreography"/"maneouver" => Changing of the Guards? One of the best (read boring) tourist traps ever devised. Every capital on earth should have one...(oh, but they do.)
I always loved the uniforms, but I wondered if there are swiss aetheists guarding the Vatican. Do they take an additional oath or something? I'd join just for the PJ's. ..and to protect His Eminence's freedom of speech.
what you dont know is that those guard ! are One of the most trained Soldier in the world i listened a Documentary about Vatican secret ! and to be in this ( army ) you need to be born in swiss its verry complicated.
Lupus Ater no when they wear armour they like to show it off watch one of their parades you'll know it if they wear armour. plus a rifle or a handgun wouldn't be efficient underneath all of that it would take too long to retrieve, they literally only have those spears.
prototype claws I think he means modern body armor, cant attest to that though. Youre right though, their ceremonial armor gets shown off whenever they can.
They ARE one of the best fighting units in the world. The only problem is that they are very few (~100), but their training is on par or even better than that of the Marines or SAS. They master both swords/lance and fire arms combat, so they can kill you with anything they find.
Bad enough to be apprehended by any guard, but by one wearing striped pyjamas? That's just insulting! How the hell are people supposed to take them seriously as guards and not crack up laughing?!
17th Century uniforms, I promise that Russian uniforms of the period were equally gaudy. Many things changed with the introduction of long ranged repeating firearms.
What a great job!!! I bet that having "dressing up funky , walking with a stick in my ass, and playing the statue" would fill up my resume and life accomplishment!
No they do service in switzerland first and are trained there first before they become the swiss guard of the vatican, and they use standard arms in guns as they do in switzerland, and vatican is its own city state independant of rome and italy itself.
that isnt gonna do much when someone with a gun comes but i guess its just a longer version on the other countries with bayonets on their rifles and not ammunition but at least the others look nice and are precise
