Established in 1506 the Swiss Guard are one of the oldest continuously operating military units. But today they act as the ceremonial protectors of the Vatican.

They do have modern firearms in their arsenal but compared to their halberds Sig 550s and P220s don’t seem that odd.

The halberd is among the most versatile melee weapons. It allows it’s user to defend against charging calvary, deal with the armor of opponents, or attack melee combatants without entering the effective range of their weapons.

  • Lophostemon
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    10 months ago

    I wonder if they actually practice with them properly, or just hold them as decorations.

      • SSTF@lemmy.worldM
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        10 months ago

        I suppose there is a slight difference that the Queen’s Guard still carry modern L85s even in their ceremonial uniforms.

        The Swiss Guard carrying halberds are much more ceremonial to me. We know they have modern people out of sight with more proper equipment.

  • PorradaVFR@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Now I’m no militariologist but I do know you do not fuck with these guys. I’m talking Wu-Tang Clan level of not fucking with. They are cutely dressed, ceremonial bad asses that would ruin your whole day with that pointy stick.

  • NigelFrobisher
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    10 months ago

    I don’t get how a gun isn’t a melee weapon, when John Wick uses them in melees all the time.