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The Coldstream Guards

As the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, the Coldstream Guards is well known for its high-profile ceremonial duties – but it’s an infantry unit first and foremost, with a hard-won reputation as an elite fighting force.

Our role

Renowned for their discipline and courage, Coldstream Guards are infantry soldiers who specialise in light role operations: performing reconnaissance, operating machine guns and mortars, and engaging enemy troops on foot and in light vehicles. This versatility makes the regiment one of the most important fighting units in the British Army.

Coldstream Guards also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces, including Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. The Band of the Coldstream Guards is one of the oldest and best-known military marching bands in the world

Role

Infantry

Specialism

Light Role Infantry

Other duties

Ceremonial

Life in the Coldstream Guards is based on Infantry skills. With an array of opportunities for personal development and education. What job role will you choose?

  • Airborne
  • Rifleman
  • Machine Gunner
  • Sniper
  • Reconnaissance 
  • Mortar Operator
  • Anti-Tank Specialist
  • Pioneer 
  • Signaller
  • Transport Specialist
  • Logistical Support
  • Physical Training Instructor
  • Tailor
  • Ceremonial
  • Bandsman

As a member of the Coldstream Guards, you can expect to participate in large ceremonial events attended by members of the Royal family and Heads of States. These events are broadcast to millions of people around the world.

They include;

  • The King's Birthday Parade
  • Beating Retreat
  • Changing the Guard
  • Guard of Honour
  • Festival of Remembrance

As a member of The King's personal bodyguard, you will have the opportunity to stand guard outside Royal Residences such as;

  • Buckingham Palace 
  • St James's Palace 
  • Tower of London 
  • Windsor Castle 

Past to present

The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Army, with origins that date back to the English Civil War. Since then, it has answered the call of duty at almost every conflict with British involvement, earning a well-deserved reputation for loyalty and courage.

In 1650 The Regiment is formed under command of George Monck.

  • The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions deploy to France during the First World War.
  • During the Second World War Five Coldstream battalions fight in Europe and Northern Africa.
  • Iraq 
  • Afghanistan 
  • Mali 
  • Cayman Islands
  • Kuwait
  • Sierra Leone 
  • Ghana 
  • Cyprus 
  • Falkland Islands 
  • Operation Rescript 
  • Falkland Islands 
  • Jamaica 
  • Kenya 

Location

1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

Victoria Barracks, Sheet St, Windsor SL4 1HF

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No. 7 Company

60 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU

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Find out more about Full-time and Part-time roles in the Infantry.

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