Imperial Guard
The Imperial Guard was originally founded in 1802 as a small personal guard regiment for the protection of Emperor Alexander numbering 1,200 men. It swelled in number until by 1814 it numbered 100,000 men. It has since served all monarchs as the personal bodyguard and protection force of the Imperial family. In modern times the unit numbers 7,500 men and is based from the capital of Warsaw. It recruits men from the regular Armed forces and Security forces who have served a minimum of 4 years active service and have been on at least one active tour of duty. Entry standards are high and few get past initial training and testing. The Imperial Guard uses the same training facilities as the Special Forces with all Guardsman regardless of rank or position having to pass a fitness and combat test at the beginning of every year.
At present the Imperial Guard is commanded by the Crown Prince. The main areas of its responsibility being;
-Protection and security of the Imperial family and Emperor
-Protection of Imperial Infrastructure such as the Imperial Palace, all other residences of the Imperial Family, Warsaw Imperial Theatre, Household Barracks and Warsaw Central District. As well as a small detachment at the Imperial Palace in Riga.
-Protection of Foreign visiting dignitaries and VIP's
The unit is used as a stationary garrison, however it is equipped as mechanised brigade and includes its own tanks, armoured personal carriers and artillery. In times of war the brigade is assigned to the 1st Armoured Division under command of the regular Army.
The unit is composed of the following;
Emperors 1st Gold Imperial Grenadier Company (2,350) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 1
Emperors 2nd Blue Imperial Grenadier Company (2,350) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 2
Empresses Own Hussar Company (300) - Based from the Imperial residence in Poznan
Imperial Household Rifle Company (150) - Based from the Household Barracks in Warsaw, Guards the Imperial Palace
Emperors Own Company of Hussars (200) - Based from the Household Barracks in Warsaw
Imperial Household Support Company (950) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 2
Imperial Lithuanian Riga Rifle Company (700) - Based in the Barracks at Riga Palace
At present the Imperial Guard is commanded by the Crown Prince. The main areas of its responsibility being;
-Protection and security of the Imperial family and Emperor
-Protection of Imperial Infrastructure such as the Imperial Palace, all other residences of the Imperial Family, Warsaw Imperial Theatre, Household Barracks and Warsaw Central District. As well as a small detachment at the Imperial Palace in Riga.
-Protection of Foreign visiting dignitaries and VIP's
The unit is used as a stationary garrison, however it is equipped as mechanised brigade and includes its own tanks, armoured personal carriers and artillery. In times of war the brigade is assigned to the 1st Armoured Division under command of the regular Army.
The unit is composed of the following;
Emperors 1st Gold Imperial Grenadier Company (2,350) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 1
Emperors 2nd Blue Imperial Grenadier Company (2,350) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 2
Empresses Own Hussar Company (300) - Based from the Imperial residence in Poznan
Imperial Household Rifle Company (150) - Based from the Household Barracks in Warsaw, Guards the Imperial Palace
Emperors Own Company of Hussars (200) - Based from the Household Barracks in Warsaw
Imperial Household Support Company (950) - Based in Warsaw Imperial Guard Barracks 2
Imperial Lithuanian Riga Rifle Company (700) - Based in the Barracks at Riga Palace