The Best of the best: A day with Russia’s elite soldiers

In the Presidential Regiment, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, officers and soldiers are called the "face of the country and the army," since they are on duty at the Kremlin walls and ensure the safety of Russian state leaders.

Learn what it takes to be an elite soldier and guard of honor.

The best of the best

The Presidential Regiment Service Command of the Moscow Kremlin FSO includes three battalions, a cavalry honor guard and an operational reserve battalion. However, the most famous is considered to be the first guard of honor. Soldiers who serve in it stand on guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Many would like to be part of it, but only less than half of the candidates get the desired place.

"Are you sure you want to serve in the Presidential regiment?" is the first question commander Major Artem Kunakin poses to the soldier recruits. Service in it is quite difficult, so the requirements are very stringent: a soldier's height must be no less than 175 centimeters, he must be inexcellent health and have impeccable physical training.

Piercing, tattoos and facial scars are strictly forbidden.

Soldiers that do not get into the first guard of honor are placed in other units of the regiment. In most cases they end up protecting the Kremlin's territory.

The regiment welcomes dynasties. Many soldiers come here after their fathers and granddads have served.

One day in the regiment

Soldiers' barracks are situated in the historic Arsenal building. Separate divisions are scattered throughout the territory of the Moscow region. Their daily routine in similar to all of the other soldiers. They rise at 6 am, after which they form up and go for their morning work-out.

At 6 pm soldiers have free time, during which they read books or attend a buffet.

The day ends with a formal promenade, walking in ranks, after which soldiers go to sleep at 10 pm.

Soldiers' ordinary life is not limited to combat training and studying. Saturdays and Sundays are weekends, and soldiers can ask for a leave warrant.

The presidential regiment was the first, where mobile phones were allowed.

Soldiers are allowed to smoke only in special designed places, but alcohol is forbidden.

They worship their uniforms

Not long ago a new dress uniform was designed for the soldiers, the hussar lightweight. It is intended for foot and cavalry guards, as well as for protocol and public events.

An astrakhan collar and cap are added to the winter uniform. During strong frosts soldiers may stand in heated booths.

The Spasskaya Tower

Now the Presidential regiment prepares for the military-musical festival "The Spasskaya Tower." This performance is attended by many who come to see the soldiers perform complex acrobatic tricks with weapons or while riding a horse.

The Presidential regiment is the most elite in our country; they are representatives of the Russian army. The best of the best are here," added Lance Sergeant Daniel Kalinin.

The Presidential regiment's performance can be viewed at the festival "The Spasskaya Tower", starting on August 27.