Do you dream of enlisting in the famous Swiss Guard, protecting the Papal City of Rome, and enjoying all that Switzerland has to offer? If so, you’ll be glad to know that it may be easier than you think! Switzerland—and the Swiss Guard—are famously known for their strict adherence to rules and regulations, so you’ll want to make sure you’re qualification-savvy before you start writing up your application.
If you’re interested in joining the Swiss Guard, the first and most important thing to know is that you must be a Swiss citizen; they don’t take citizens from other countries. You must also be a male between the ages of 19 and 30, and have an excellent academic and military record. You must be of the Roman Catholic faith, and must be between 5 foot 7 and 6 foot 2. Once you’ve checked off all of those requirements, it’s time to start the application process.
The application starts with a series of tests given by a board of senior Swiss Guard officers. You’ll want to make sure you brush up on your Swiss history and right mind military strategy, as those will be the topics in the exams. Once you’ve passed those tests with flying colors, it’s on to the physical assessments. The physical tests vary in what they look for, depending on the position you want in the guard, but you’ll need to show endurance, strength, and, of course, Swiss agility. Finally, you’ll partake in an oral interview with the board of senior officers. As long as you write all of this down, you should have a great chance of being accepted!
In addition to all the preceding tests, you may be asked additional questions about your academic and military records and your character as a person. These may include questions such as “what’s your favorite style of Swiss cheese?” or “who’s your favorite Swiss watch maker?”—anything to test your knowledge and commitment to Swiss culture.
If you pass all of the tests with ease, you’ll be invited to join the Swiss Guard and take the age-old oath of loyalty and service during an official ceremony. It’s here that things get really fun—you and your accepted colleagues will be given the traditional Swiss Guard uniform, complete with a unique halberd. Once you’ve donned your uniform, you will be-ready to join the ranks of one of the most famous guard formations in the world!
Joining the Swiss Guard is a serious commitment, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you’ve got the drive and determination, and you’re willing to commit to the principles of service and loyalty to the Swiss Guard, then you too can become a part of this proud and revered formation. Godspeed!