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Infantry

The Coldstream Guards

Second to None

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.

LIGHT ROLE

ROLE

INFANTRY

SPECIALISM

LIGHT ROLE INFANTRY

OTHER DUTIES

CEREMONIAL

Specialist Roles

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 
  • Mortor Operator
  • Anti-Tank Specialist
  • Pioneer 
  • Signaller
  • Transport Specialist
  • Logistical Support
  • Physical Training Instructor
  • Tailor
  • Ceremonial
  • Bandsman

Ceremonial

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 

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

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.

  1. Formation

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

  2. First and Second World War

    • The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions deploy to France during World War I.
    • During The Second World War Five Coldstream battalions fight in Europe and Northern Africa.
  3. Recent Deployments

    • Iraq 
    • Afghanistan 
    • Mali 
    • Cayman Islands
    • Kuwait
    • Sierra Leone 
    • Ghana 
    • Cyprus 
    • Falkland Islands 
    • Operation Rescript 
  4. Future Deployment

    • Falkland Islands 
    • Jamaica 
    • Kenya 

Personal Clothing

Design The latest camouflage design was developed after extensive laboratory tests and field evaluations.

Personal Equipment

COMBAT BODY ARMOUR

Armour Osprey assault body armour and Virtus body armour system.

Personal Equipment

SA80 Individual Weapon

Tests On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.

Small arms and support weapons

L115A3 Long Range 'Sniper' Rifle

600 metres They are designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres.

Small arms and support weapons

L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifle

7.62mm The rifle fires a 7.62mm round and has enhanced accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights.

Small arms and support weapons

81mm Mortar

5650 metres High explosive, smoke and illuminating rounds to a maximum range of 5650m.

Small arms and support weapons

Combat Shotgun

12 gauge The Combat Shotgun is a semi-automatic, tubular magazine-fed weapon chambered for the 12 gauge cartridge.

Small arms and support weapons

Guided Weapons

Anti-tank weapons The Javelin anti-tank weapon and the Next-generation light anti-tank weapon.

Small arms and support weapons

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