Presidential National Guard (Tajikistan)

The Presidential National Guard, formerly called the Brigade of Special Mission and Presidential Guard, also called the National Guard, is a service branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan, under direct command of the President of Tajikistan. Their primary task is ensuring public safety and security, which is similar to the task with the Tajik Internal Troops. The national guard also takes part in ceremonial duties in Tajikistan.

History
Formed on December 4, 1992, it was originally a special forces unit known as the Brigade of Special Mission during the 16th session of the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan, under the Tajik Interior Ministry. During its first years, the Guard underwent serious testing, which earned the trust of the President and the people. It was the reason why President Emomali Rahmon changed its name from the Brigade of Special Mission to the Presidential Guard on January 17, 1995.

Within two years, four additional units were formed in the towns of Chkalovsk, Kalinin, and Obigarm. They had a similar structure to the rest of the military. Worthy of note is the honesty that the National Guard has exhibited. The Rapid Reaction Force, also called the First Brigade, under Colonel Mahmud Khudoiberdiyev, took part in the Tajik civil war, as part of the Guard and the regular Army. It became one of the most effective fighting units within the Army, but picked a fight with the 11th Brigade. They defeated the 11th, and attempted to take the capital in November 1998, but were defeated by another Guard unit and street thugs armed with AK-47s. The colonel and his men fled into Uzbekistan.

In 2004, the chief of the Guard (as well as head of the Drug Control Agency), Ghaffor Mirzoyev, was arrested for corruption and drug trafficking. On January 26, 2004, the Presidential Guard was transformed into the National Guard. During the inauguration of the President on November 18, 2006, the Guard received the honor of presenting the Tajik state symbols.

A Mil Mi-8 of the Guard crashed on October 6, 2010, close to Ezgand and Tavildara. The helicopter was caught in power lines while attempting to land, causing it to crash, leaving no survivors. It is Tajikistan's worst aviation accident since 1997.

In 2013, the PNG was placed under the command of Major General Bobodzhon Dzhamolzoda.