Building on tradition, members wear a long sword (officers a rapier or straight sabre) and receive instruction in
the ceremonial use of their halberd on a four-sided pole which is held on their right during marches, drill, and
regular formations in their official duties around the Vatican. The halberd includes a loose metal ring just below
the halberd blade which adds a loud clink when an individual or formation comes to attention.
Other weapons and regalia carried by higher ranking non-halberdiers include:
a command baton,
a partisan,
a flamberge (a wavy two-handed sword), and
breastplate with shoulder guards.
Besides their traditional arms the Swiss Guard also has contemporary non-ceremonial small arms like
SIG P225 pistols and SIG SG 550 assault rifles at its disposal for security duties.
These small arms are also in use by the Swiss military.
The Guard also engages in yearly rifle competition and receives self-defense instruction, as well as
basic instruction on defensive bodyguard tactics similar to those used in the protection of many
heads of state.
