I knew someone whose cousin was a member of the Swiss Guards, who guard the pope. He said that they’re famous for their garish yellow and blue uniforms, but they also actually do guard the pope. When they do that, they’re dressed like US Secret Service, suits, sunglasses, earpieces, etc. So, they get trained in the use of antique weapons like halberds, and wear really goofy clothes for show. But, when they’re truly doing their main job, they look anonymous and carry fully automatic carbines that they hide under their suit jackets. It’s an elite unit too. They have to be Swiss, they have to be Catholic, and they have to have gone through the normal Swiss basic training that nearly every Swiss citizen does. That allows them to apply. But because there are only about 150 slots, it’s a really rigorous selection process and most don’t make it.
They remind me of the Palace guards. Goofy looking, until you realise they’re carrying very real m16 rifles.
Which palace guards?
I knew someone whose cousin was a member of the Swiss Guards, who guard the pope. He said that they’re famous for their garish yellow and blue uniforms, but they also actually do guard the pope. When they do that, they’re dressed like US Secret Service, suits, sunglasses, earpieces, etc. So, they get trained in the use of antique weapons like halberds, and wear really goofy clothes for show. But, when they’re truly doing their main job, they look anonymous and carry fully automatic carbines that they hide under their suit jackets. It’s an elite unit too. They have to be Swiss, they have to be Catholic, and they have to have gone through the normal Swiss basic training that nearly every Swiss citizen does. That allows them to apply. But because there are only about 150 slots, it’s a really rigorous selection process and most don’t make it.
The Buckingham Palace guards, the ones with a hat the size of a small child.
The hat is a reminder of the kid they had to kill to get into the guard corps.