Westarctican Royal Guards

The Westarctica Royal Guards are the military force of Westarctica. The primary duty of the Royal Guards is to accompany the Grand Duke of Westarctica as an honor guard at state ceremonies and other public appearances. The Royal Guards are not a full-time unit, but are brought together on occasions of major ceremony. Due to their close proximity to Westarctica's dignitaries, all guardsmen are trained in close protection tactics. Service in the Royal Guards is voluntary and unpaid.

Composite promotional image of the Westarctican Royal Guards.

The motto of the Guards is "Conquered by none."

The current Captain of the Guards is Viscount Atwood.

History

Officers in Westarctica's Parachute Regiment prepare for a jump in 2024

Royal Officer Corps

In 2005, Westarctica's Minister of Defense, Wolf Tulier, suggested that the nation would benefit from the creation of an officer corps that could be joined by military-minded citizens as a sort of fraternal organization. As an added benefit, this corps could conceivably be mobilized as a fighting force in the unlikely event of an armed attack against Westarctica's interests.

The Royal Officer Corps was created as a military unit on paper, but never formed into a real organization.

Creation of the Royal Guards

In October 2017, Grand Duke Travis was making preparations for the liberation of Calsahara, a sovereign micronation in central California. As he began to recruit for his invasion force, he realized the unit would require a name. As the soldiers were expected to answer directly to the Crown and were primarily a defensive unit, the Grand Duke chose the name "Westarctican Royal Guards."

The official date of creation of the Royal Guards is 19 October 2017, when the first guardsmen were recruited.

Divisions

Naval Detachment

In August 2019, the Grand Duke created a Naval Detachment of the Royal Guards. This small division undertook its first shakedown cruise by utilizing a canoe to explore a five mile stretch of the Susquehanna River in north eastern Pennsylvania. After completing their initial training and readiness drills, the Naval Detachment participated in Exercise: Westarctic Chill in Dundas, Ontario with the officers of the Slabovian "Navey."

The officers of the Naval Detachment maintain their same rank and insignia as when they are serving as standard Royal Guards.

Parachute Regiment

Westarctica's parachute regiment was formed in 2023 by the 2nd Duke of Goldstream, who was subsequently appointed as its commanding officer. His Grace has led the regiment on numerous recreational parachute jumps, including one over the skies of Normandy, France in 2024 to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day.

Uniforms

Guardsman wearing the service dress uniform

There are five uniforms worn by the Royal Guards:

• Parade Dress Uniform - Formal uniform worn by senior officers for special occasions.
• Service Dress Uniform - Everyday uniform worn by guardsmen in the commission of their duties.
• Naval Detachment Uniform - Blue coveralls worn onboard naval vessels.
• Close Protection Dress - Dark suit and tie worn by guardsmen when performing close protection duties.
• Battle Dress Uniform - Rugged clothing designed for battlespace environments.

Ranks

Ordinary Ranks

Regular Officers

• Colonel
• Major
• Captain
• Lieutenant

Enlisted Guardsmen

• Adjutant
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Guardsman

Extraordinary Ranks

Special Officers

• Colonel-in-Chief - Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Guards (The Grand Duke)
• Captain of the Guard - Guard Commander
• Aide-de-Camp - Personal military aide to the Grand Duke
• Honorary Colonel - Purely honorary rank bestowed to civilians

Rank insignia

Chart showing the ranks and insignia for the Westarctican Royal Guards

Activities

The Westarctican Royal Guards, with King Timothy of Shiloh, marching down the roads of Calsahara in victory

Because Westarctica is largely a peaceful nation, the Royal Guards are seldom called to active service. However, they are always on alert to defend the nation against potential threats and may be activated on short notice.

Invasion of Calsahara

The Invasion of Calsahara is the single largest conflict participated in by the Royal Guards. Although there were two deserters prior to the start of hostilities, the remaining four guardsmen successfully captured the Calsaharan cities of Otisburg and Hooverville, retrieved the Seal of Calsahara, and generally served with distinction in the process of liberating Calsahara from its negligent rulers.

In recognition of the vital role played by the Royal Guards in the invasion, the Central Bank of Westarctica put their picture on the 100 million colonial bulgur banknote. This currency is only used locally in Calsahara.

MOST

In October 2020, the Naval Detachment of the Royal Guards became part of the Micronational Outer Space Taskforce (MOST), a loose alliance organized by Slabovia with the goal of increasing leadership and team-building skills among micronations. On 22 November 2020, a three person crew from Westarctica participated in Exercise: MOSTLY HARMLESS onboard the WS Endurance spaceship bridge simulator. This was a follow-up mission to Exercise: Westarctic Chill, which had occurred the previous year.

War With Raphania

After the leader of Raphania, Grand Emir Charles I, declared war upon Westarctica, citing his belief that their occupation of Calsahara in 2017 was an illegitimate act, Grand Duke Travis mobilized the Royal Guards and made immediate preparations for a state of war. A Royal Decree was issued on 26 October 2022 formally declaring war against Raphania. The Royal Guards occupied Raphania in Operation: MOCK TORTOISE on 10 November. This conflict became known as the Westarctica-Raphania War and resulted in Raphania becoming a colony of Westarctica.

Oath of a Royal Guard

I do hereby affirm that I will faithfully, loyally, and honorably protect and serve the Grand Duke and the nation of Westarctica, and dedicate myself to them with all my strength, sacrificing if necessary my life to defend them. I promise respect and obedience to the Captain of the Guard and my other superiors.

The Royal Guard's Creed

I am a Westarctican Royal Guard.

Royal Guardsmen are
Toughened by the cold,
It has made us hard as ice.

With my fellow guardsmen,
I serve and protect the Grand Duke
With integrity and fidelity.

With valor, virtue, and vigilance,
We guard Westarctica's honor
Against all who would harm it.

I am a Westarctican Royal Guard,
I am conquered by none.

Military Decorations of the Royal Guards

Decorations awarded to members of the Royal Guards and foreign military personnel are set forth in Chapter Four of the Royal Guards Manual. It specifies which awards may be given to foreign military personnel and prohibits civilian personnel from being given any military decorations.

The general precedence and purpose of the awards was adopted from the original decorations used by His Majesty's Corps of Engineers after they were integrated into the Royal Guards.

Decoration	Ribbon	Eligibility
Westarctica Cross		Awarded for courageous participation in armed combat.
Defense Commendation Award		Issued by the Minister of Defense to recognize exceptional military service.
Distinguished Service Citation		Recognizing any action not already covered by another award, yet deemed by the Colonel-in-Chief to be exceptional.
Defense Security Citation		Recognizing exceptional physical security services to the Government of Westarctica.
Antarctic Service Ribbon		Serving a tour of duty in Antarctica.
Construction Service Ribbon		Participating in a construction project.
Foreign Service Ribbon		Serving in at least one operation or exercise with a foreign military.
C2 Training Ribbon		Completion of 12 hours of C2 training or three separate C2 exercises.
Good Conduct Ribbon		Two years of service without a negative personnel report.