President's Bodyguard : India's Elite & Oldest Calvry

President's Bodyguard during 2015 Republic day parade

You Have seen them parade with pride & glory During republic day So lets know about them.

President's Bodyguard is an India's oldest Household Calvary unit.

First unit of President's Bodyguard was formed in 1773 During British raj to protect then Governor general Warren hasting.

Later it was renamed as President Bodyguard on 27 January 1950 day after India became Republic.

Primary role is to Protect, serve & escort President of India the supreme Commander of 3 Forces.

It is an senior most regiment of Indian Army.

Only Regiment in Indian army that fully trained as Horseman, Paratroopers ,tank men ,Ceremonial duties.

troopers are expert horsemen, trained combat paratroopers, armoured vehicle crewmen and tradesmen. they have diverse combat skills.

President's Bodyguard based and resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi

Uniforms :

It have unique uniform with red colour ,wearing turban,holding flags & riding on horses.Uniform not changed since 1900.

Horses are specially trained ,expensive.

Mostly bay in colour.

Role Of Regiment :

Primary role of regiment is to Protect, serve & escort President of India the supreme Commander of 3 Forces.

Also performances Ceremonial duties during Republic day parade ,beating retreat parade , Visit of foreign dignitaries.

It also Serves During country's major wars including Indo-china,indo-pak wars. they have proven their worth in battle as well as in equestrian skills.

Played major role in peace keeping operations.

Battle Honour - Moodkees, Ava, Maharajpore, Ava, sabroan.

Composition :

Regiment have 4 officers,20 JCOS , 198 Horseman's in total have 222  personnel's .

commanding officer President's Bodyguard is always colonel or Brigadier rank officer.

assisted by majors,captains,nisaldars.

shipoys are have rank of naik.

Change of Guard of Ceremony :

Change of Guard of Ceremony is a military tradition where President's Bodyguard changed every week. it normally takes place on weekends. it is open to public.

Establishment of Regiment as follows :-

1 captain
1 Lieutenant
4 Sergeants
6 Daffadars
100 troopers
2 trumpeters
1 farrier

Criteria:

the physical criteria for regiment is high which requires six feet minimum height for 

Mounts of Bodyguard are of minimum height of 157.5 cm at shoulder.

recently there was controversy as army accepted in court that only 3 caste allowed to join President's Bodyguard that includes Jats,Sikhs and Raj puts.

as it violates article 15 of the constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, sex, colour and place of birth.

it also violates article 16 of the Constitution which states that there shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.