Livgardet

Gardes du Corps
Active	10 May 1492 - Present (107 years, 4 months)
Country	Acrea
Type	Light Infantry
Size	1,653 personnel
Part of	Acrean Army
Headquarters	Joint Forces Base Königsbrück, Steiermark, Acrea
Motto(s)	Det er kominn (Old Acrean: The time has come)
Commanders
Current commander	Lieutenant General Andreas von Kreuthier

The Gardes du Corps, also referred to as the Liebgarde, is an elite infantry unit of the Acrean Army and its longest continuously serving regiment. Formed initially as the personal bodyguard of the Acrean Monarchy, the Gardes grew into an elite frontline infantry regiment, serving dual roles both as the royal guard and as an elite tactical reserve in battle. Today, the regiment serves ceremonial, protection, and operational roles. Composed entirely of veteran soldiers, it serves an important role as an elite light infantry regiment and is considered a part of Acrea's special operations forces. Despite this, it does not conduct clandestine operations. A separate unit of special infantry, the Jagdkommando, was created to fulfill such a role; the 1st Battalion of Jagdkommando is composed of Liebgarde. The Gardes du Corps maintains extremely strict standards related to a soldier's own performance and conduct.

History

The regiment was formed in 1492 to serve as the monarchy's bodyguard. This role was previously filled predominantly by Templars, a group with the regiment recruited extensively from. Although deliberately being created to serve the monarchy, soldiers of the regiment quickly adopted a clear public service function early in the regiment's history, and became a component of the guard at many key government buildings in Acrea including the Reichstag. Soldiers of the guard had to meet numerous requirements, and were generally handpicked by an officer appointed by the monarch as well as the regiment's commanding officer. Initial requirements included having at least 10 years of service, experience in battle facing the enemy, and being under the age of 35. Members of the regiment gained a reputation for physical stature, however there was never any official height requirement associated with being selected for the regiment, and only some evidence exists to support the idea that taller soldiers were deliberately sought after for recruitment. Veterancy and prowess were considered the most vital considerations when recruiting a soldier into the Gardes, and continue to be today.

In exchange for their service, Guards received special privileges including increased wages. Members of the regiment today likewise receive greater pay due to their service in the unit, which is persistent throughout their entire military career even if they eventually leave the unit. Since its formation, a certain prestige has been associated with serving in the regiment; this has spread into the formation of Guards-only veterans groups, as well as exclusive officers' clubs and taverns in their home garrisons. The regiment has served in almost all of Acrea's major wars since 1500, including recent conflicts such as the Zemplen War and Midsummer War.

Organisation

The Gardes du Corps is composed of several small battalions, each numbering approximately 300 soldiers. Although nominally considered as light infantry, the regiment additionally possesses attached motorised provided by Panserlehrbataillon 91, an elite armoured formation, and an attached aviation component. The regiment is capable of deploying individually without either component, but with full complement is supported by its light armour and airmobile capabilities.

• 1st Battalion Der Königsseigen
• 6th Battalion Fierté de Vannes
• 7th Battalion De Kalde
• 8th Battalion Den Vieille Garde
• 9th Battalion Dragoner der Königin