St Patrick’s Day is the traditional celebration of the Irish Guards. On this day each year members of the regiment are presented with fresh shamrock from HRH Prince William.
When they're not deployed on operations the Irish Guards can be found all over the world training and exploring. They can also be found at royal palaces from time to time sporting the famous red tunic and bearskin cap.
Apply nowActive from
1 April 1900
Role
Infantry
Specialism
Light Role Infantry
Soldiers in the Irish Guards are experts in infantry combat: reconnaissance, engaging enemy troops with machine guns and mortars, sniping and more. As part of the Guards Division, they also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces.
- Reconnaissance
- Operating machine guns
- Sniping
- Operating mortars
- Tactical communication
- Driving vehicles
- Anti-tank operations
- Guarding royal palaces
2019/20 saw the the Irish Guards deploy on operations in the Middle East and in Africa. Some of the Regiment worked on Operation Shader in Iraq, working alongside the Iraqi Security Forces in the ongoing mission against Daesh. The rest of the Irish Guards were on Operation Trenton, the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
Past Deployments:
- Operation Herrick (Afghanistan)
- Operation Telic (Iraq)
- Operation Tosca (Cyprus)
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
As the name suggests, many soldiers in the Irish Guards are drawn from Northern Ireland and the Republic – but you don’t need to be Irish to be an Irish Guard. Whether they’re from Belfast or Brixton, all are united by a proud history of loyal service and a sporting heritage.
To find out more about joining the Irish Guards, click the link below.
Find out more
Explore our equipment
The rifle fires a 7.62mm round and has enhanced accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights.
They are designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres.
The GMG is usually mounted on WMIK Land Rovers but can also be used from ground-based tripods.
The powerful L1A1 12.7mm (.50) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) is an updated version of the Browning M2 Fifty-cal.
