National Guards Unit of Bulgaria

The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria (Bu:Национална гвардейска част на България) is a unique Bulgarian military regiment, it is a part of the Bulgarian Land Forces with the status of a special unit. The regiment ensures the security of the government and its treasures and guards the highest state officials. The National Guard performs the ritual "Ceremonial changing of the honor guard of the Presidency" for the first time on 5 November 2003 and every hour changes guard at the administrative building of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. The Guard also ensures the security of civil, military and industrial sites in Sofia. The scarlet hussar style uniform of the Guards was established in 1883 and includes elements of national symbolism. Throughout political changes, uniform details such as the eagle feather on the cap and the Alexander Star have been retained. The Alexander Star was originally a feature of the Bulgarian royal order "St. Alexander".

The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria is the successor of the Personal Cavalry Convoy (squadron) of knyaz Alexander I, founded in 1879, when on July 12 the guards escorted the Bulgarian knyaz for the first time. Accordingly, 12 July is the official holiday of the modern National Guard Unit. Throughout the years the structure of the guards has changed from convoy to squadron, regiment and after 1942 - division. Today it includes military units for state and military ceremonies and a full military band. The guardsmen have however changed their weapons from cavalry sabres to infantry rifles. The standard issue rifle of the unit is SKS (Samozariadnaia karabina Simonova) and a ceremonial version of the AK-47 assault rifle. They also use the much heavier rifle Mosin–Nagant for training.

In 2001 the National Guards Unit was declared the official military unit representing the Bulgarian Army and one of the symbols of modern state authority along with the flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem.

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